Use Your Gift Properly

Proverbs 18:16, “A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”

This statement can be very positive or it can be very negative. A man can bribe great men with gifts. We have seen that throughout the history of our world.

When we talk today about political corruption, we talk about people being on the take. It is sad when it is obvious that good people can be bought and sold. In this Proverb, we are going to look at the positive side. A man can use the gifts or talents God has given him to influence a leader to do the right thing. In the Bible, we see this over and over again.

We need to be wise with what God puts at our disposal. Joseph had the gift of dreams. God used Joseph to influence the king of Egypt, Pharaoh, to make wise decisions that preserved the nation of Israel, Egypt, and many other nations.

Abigail approached David with gifts, asking David to spare her life and the life of those that served with her. Jacob, when he knew that Esau was coming, sent gifts to Esau to calm his wrath. Jacob’s fear of Esau’s wrath had grown in the twenty years of his absence. We all have gifts.
  Let me encourage you to do something today.
Ask yourself:
1. What are the gifts that God has given me?
2. How am I using those gifts presently?
3. Who have I used my gifts to influence?
4. How could God use me and my gift to influence others?
5. Am I using the gift God has given me for that which is right, for the glory of God, or for my own selfish desires?

Allow God to use the gift He has given you to minister to others and influence others to do that which is right in the sight of God.

Your friend,
David Teis

Today's Bible Verse...

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.      —Isaiah 40:30-31

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

What is your strength? Is it your youth? ...your conditioning? ...your wisdom? ...your friends? ...your experience? None of us can depend upon our human ability. Health, wisdom, and wealth are all vulnerabe to the fragility of life and circumstance. Only the LORD can ensure that we can survive the unthinkable, thrive in the mundane, and soar in good times. Let's call upon, let's wait upon, let's depend upon the LORD!

My Prayer...

O LORD, thank you for sustaining me through the hard times in my life. Thank you for helping me soar, doing things for you that I never dreamed I could accomplish. Father, thank you for blessing me during the everyday comings and goings of life. I depend upon you for help and strength. For every good thing in my life I praise you and thank you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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Christ's Comprehensive Love

The Lord takes pleasure in his people. - Psalms 149:4

How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of His people's interests that He does not consider, and there is nothing that concerns their welfare that is not important to Him. He doesn't merely think of you, believer, as an immortal being, but as a mortal being too. Do not deny it or doubt it: 

"Even the hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30 "

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way." Psalm 37:23  

It would be sad for us if this covering of love did not tackle all our concerns, for what mischief might be done to us in that part of our lives that did not come under our gracious Lord's protection! Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your smallest concerns. The breadth of His tender love is such that you may turn to Him in every case; for in all your afflictions He is afflicted, and just like a father cares for his children, so He cares for you. The smallest interests of all His saints are all borne upon the heart of the Son of God.

And what a heart He has, which does not merely understand the nature of His people but also comprehends their diverse and innumerable concerns. Do you think, Christian, that you can measure the love of Christ? Consider what His love has brought you--justification, adoption, sanctification, eternal life! The riches of His goodness are unsearchable; you will never be able to convey them or even conceive them.

Oh, the breadth of the love of Christ! Shall such a love as this have only half our hearts? Shall it have a cold love in return? Shall Jesus' marvelous loving-kindness and tender care be met with only faint response and delayed acknowledgment? My soul, tune your harp to a glad song of thanksgiving! Go to your rest rejoicing, for you are not a desolate wanderer but a beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, and defended by your Lord.

 
 

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Pursue Hospitality

Romans 12:9-14 says,

Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor what is evil.  Cling to what is good.  Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

At the end of verse 13, Paul says we are to be "given to hospitality."  The word given is the Greek word translated "pursue" everywhere else in the New Testament.  This could be translated "pursuing hospitality."

Hospitality is actually a compound word in the Greek language.  The first part of the word means to be fond of.  The second part means guests.  So hospitality means to be friendly to strangers, to open your heart and open your home to others.

The Scripture is very strong when it says we are to pursue hospitality.  It is one of the greatest ways in all the world to demonstrate the love of God to people who are in need.

I remember like it was yesterday a time I was preaching at a church.  It was over 20 years ago, when I was a newlywed.  After the service was done, Janet and I were standing around not knowing what to do.  No one was speaking to us and the church had made no provision for our lodging or meals.

Just then an elderly couple came up to us and invited us to their home for lunch, which we gratefully accepted.

And you know what?  I don't remember what I preached that day, but to this day I remember eating roast in that couple's home.  I remember their graciousness, their hospitable spirit, and how much they made us feel welcome.

Pursue hospitality!

He Calls Your Name

Through His Spirit He calls us by name.

 
Hear

---

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary” (John 20:15, 16).

 

Believe

---

Mary went to the tomb early in the morning. It was still dark. She was surprised by what she saw. The stone had been rolled away and Jesus’ body was gone.

She thought that someone had taken it. She ran to tell the disciples. Peter and John ran to the tomb to see. When they arrived, it was just as Mary had said. The tomb was empty. Peter and John left while Mary stayed.

She wept outside the tomb. She peered inside and encountered two angels. They asked her why she was crying. She told them the same thing she told the disciples, “They have taken my Lord away.”

She turned from the tomb and saw someone in the garden. Mary thought it was the gardener. He asked her who she was looking for. She thought this man may have taken the body.

And then a single word from him changed everything. “Mary.” The mention of her name penetrated the clutter and confusion in her mind. She recognized him. Jesus was alive! She wanted to cling to him, but he had other things to do. She returned to the disciples with the good news, “I have seen the Lord!” How personal the Lord is that he would call Mary by name. But isn’t that what he does with each of us? We do not have the privilege of hearing him face-to-face like Mary did. But through his Spirit he calls us out individually. He speaks our name. When he does, we know -- He is alive! In that moment, everything changes. Like Mary, we become witnesses of the most significant event that has ever occurred, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 
Live

---

There was a point in time when you responded to the good news. The Gospel called you out personally and individually, and like Mary, you recognized Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life. And now you can say to others, “He is alive!” This is a privilege above all others. Today, rejoice. Jesus is alive, and he is alive in you.

In Him,

Bob Christopher

Why Keep Praying When There Is No Answer?

By Rick Warren

“Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT).

Why should you remain persistent in your prayers when you don’t get an answer? Here are four reasons.

Persistent prayer focuses your attention.

When you pray a prayer request over and over, it’s not to remind God. He doesn’t need to be reminded! It’s to remind yourself that God is the source of your answer and all your needs. If every prayer you ever prayed were instantly answered, two things would happen. First, prayer would actually begin to hurt you because sometimes we pray for things that are not God’s will, or we make mistakes because we see with a limited perspective. Second, you’d never really develop a deep relationship with God, because he would become just a vending machine. If every time you prayed you instantly got results, all you’d think about is the blessing. God wants you to think about the Blesser.

Persistent prayer clarifies your request.

A delayed answer gives you time to clarify exactly what you want and to refine your prayers. When you pray persistently to your heavenly Father and you say something over and over again, it separates deep longings from mere whims. It says, “God, I really care about this.”

It’s not that God doesn’t want to answer your prayers. He does. It’s just that he wants you to be certain what you really want.

Persistent prayer tests your faith.

James 1:3-4 says, “When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (NLT). The only way you can grow to spiritual maturity is to have your faith tested. One of the ways God tests your faith is by delaying some answers to your prayers.

Persistent prayer prepares your heart for the answer.

When you make a request of God, God almost always wants to answer in a greater way than you’ve prayed. Sometimes God denies your prayer request because you’re thinking and asking too small. He wants to give you something bigger and better. But first, he has to prepare you for it. So God uses delays in answering prayer to help you grow, to help you get ready, to help prepare you for a bigger and better answer.

Remember, “God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20 NCV).

Talk It Over

What is something you’ve been praying about for a long time? How might you need to refine your request?

If God is testing you right now by delaying an answer to a prayer, how can you demonstrate your willingness to grow and accept his will and purpose for you?

Think of something that you prayed for over the years that God has never supplied. How have you seen that his denial was actually a blessing in your life?

Are you Ready?

Matt.24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

 

We need to be ready, prepared, expecting, and looking toward the future. We don't know for certain what our future holds, but, we do know who holds the future.

 

During my military service I once was in a S.A.C. Unit. We had to be prepared, “ready”, to go anywhere in the world to fight in some conflict. We kept a bag packed we could take at a moment's notice. We were prepared physically and mentally to leave within a few minuets.

 

In our verse today Jesus is telling us to be ready for the time he will come again. YES, I do believe Jesus our LORD will come again and take “born again believers” to be with him. Some people don't believe that teaching, but, its because they have blinded eyes to see the truth in the Bible. Many folks have an opinion of what the Bible says, but then, they haven't read the Bible for themselves. They take the word of other so called “scholars” and never look it up themselves.

 

Christian friends, I want to encourage you to read God' Word every day. Pray every day. Witness to some one, of God's blessings, every day. Be ready for Jesus to come at any time.

We live in a very dangerous, wicked world. The Evil one is out to destroy whoever and whatever he can; by any means he can use.

 

Let us stay strong in our faith, active in the Lord's work, encouraging other Christians, and, trying to win people to Christ. The Lord will bless you!

 

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Go Ye Therefore

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto rightousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

I don't put much stock into a person when they tell me they are saved but then can't or won't tell me about the circumstance, time, or place where they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. I think if you are saved, you will tell about it! You will WANT to tell others.

I have heard folks say they were too shy, tongue tied, or embarrassed to stand in church and share their experience with Jesus. I might be wrong, but, if you won't share your blessings of Jesus, in church with fellow Christians who love you, then, you sure won't share Jesus with anyone on the street!

I've concluded that many Christians don't know what witnessing is, or, is all about.

That is one of the major problems in our churches. We are not going unto the world with the good news that Jesus saves. We sit back and tell ourselves, “God will save them in the end”,or, “God already knows who will be saved so we don't have to worry about it”,or, and here is the kicker, “ I am not worthy to witness”.

IF CHRISTIANS WON'T TELL ABOUT JESUS, WHO WILL???

I still love you and God does too!!
God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Daily Repentance

Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Had you rather have a person mad at you, or, happy with you? Some studies have shown that a happy person might live longer because they don't have the stress to worry with.

 

You have met folks that seem to be mad at everything and everyone. They tend to talk evil, spread gossip, and even think evil of people they don't know. Our Bible teaches us to avoid that type people. Saved folks should be happy our sin is forgiven and we have a place with Jesus!

Some saved people think that once they accept Jesus and are saved, then, they don't need to repent of anything else. 

 

Dear Christian friends, there are two types of people; lost sinners and saved sinners. We all sin every day. We all need to repent of any sin the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance.

 

Just think, if repenting of people brings joy to God's angels, how joyful Jesus must be. Jesus is the one that forgives sin, and accepts the sinner's repentance.

Oh! That we would long for and desire a better and deeper understanding of the love of God toward us. We then could show a different love toward others.

 

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Sufficient Grace

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I thought the Christian life was going to be easier than this. Have these words ever entered your mind? Sometimes we come into the family of God thinking that our heavenly Father will fix all our problems and devote Himself to our happiness and comfort. However, that is not the reality portrayed in Scripture. Paul was a man whom the Lord used greatly, and yet his life was anything but easy.

In fact, at one point, the apostle thought his pain was too much to bear, and he begged God to remove it. There’s nothing wrong with asking the Lord to relieve our suffering, but what should our response be if He doesn’t? Paul probably had no idea that His experience would find its way into the Bible, to comfort and guide believers throughout the ages. The promise God gave him applies to us as well: “My grace is sufficient for you” (v. 9).

God’s grace could be defined as His provision for us at the point of our need. The problem is that sometimes it doesn’t seem as if the Lord truly is meeting our need. But He frequently sees deficiencies, outcomes, and complications that we don’t. His goals for us involve spiritual growth, the development of Christlike character, and strong faith. And trials play a vital role in achieving these.

The important issue is how we respond. If all you want is relief, you could descend into anger and doubt. But if your desire is to become the person God wants you to be, you’ll see each trial as an opportunity for Christ to display His character and strength in you.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

Hope beyond This Life

But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. --1 Corinthians 15:13-14

Not only does the Bible tell us we will live beyond the grave, but it also tells us there is hope beyond this life. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead proves there is life beyond the grave for the believer. The Bible says, "He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:31).

No doubt this is why the devil has tried to discredit the Resurrection over the years. This is why, ever since the first century, he has been spreading his rumors about what happened to the body of Christ. And one of the oldest rumors of all was that His body was stolen by the disciples.

But claiming that the body of Jesus was stolen actually proves the resurrection of the Lord. His friends could not have taken it, because they left the scene and were convinced He was dead. The apostles had no reason to counterfeit a Resurrection they did not even believe in themselves.

And as we look at church history, we know that with the exception of John (who survived an execution attempt and was banished to the island of Patmos), all the apostles were martyred for what they believed. Don't you think at least one of them would have suddenly exposed such a lie if it were a lie? But they didn't, because none of them could deny what was true: Christ was risen, Christ is risen, and He is alive.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org

Turning Life’s Hardships into Stepping Stones

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good....”           

Genesis 50:20

A man was climbing a mountain with his son one day and his son was having a very hard time. He was smaller than his dad, so his little legs were struggling to take the necessary steps. So he told his dad, “Dad, it’s so hard because of all of these rocks. They’re big, sharp, and they hurt.”

The dad looked down at the boy and said, “Son, those sharp rocks are what we’re climbing on. Without the rocks, we’d fall.”

In life, we’re going to encounter bumps and jagged rocks. Many of them hurt us, scar us, and leave us sore and bruised. But as believers, we have to see those rocks not in terms of the damage they cause, but as stepping stones to a higher plane of living. Yes, the enemy may intend them to cause us harm, but God will use them for our good.

Don’t be discouraged by the jagged rocks you’re treading on today. Put them below your feet and use them to propel you to a higher plane of living. Keep your eyes focused on the prize and you’ll rise above life’s negative circumstances.

INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON LIFE’S CHALLENGES, FOCUS ON THE PRIZE – LIFE WITH JESUS. RISE ABOVE THE PAIN TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF LIVING!

Middle of the Road

How long will you hesitate between two opinions? 1 KINGS 18:21 Barbara was driving into town from home one day when, topping a hill, she spotted a two-year-old boy standing there in his diaper--smack dab on the yellow line in the middle of the road. Without enough time to brake, she swerved wildly onto the shoulder, coming to a screeching stop a good distance past the child. Flinging open her car door, she ran back up the street to retrieve the toddler from danger, when the mother--having heard the squealing tires and commotion--raced out into the road herself. She scooped up her crying child into her arms, trembling with shock and fright at what might have been if Barbara hadn’t been driving so carefully. Truly, the middle of the road is no place for anyone to be. But sadly in our culture today, far too many Christian families are parked in the middle. Not sure what they believe. Not sure what they expect of their children. Not willing to take a stand on certain issues that are clearly biblical. Basing their lives on “near beliefs.” I believe that God is calling families like yours today to be counter-cultural--not in a weird, obnoxious way, but establishing a lifestyle that communicates at a glance, “This family is different. They’re distinctive in their beliefs and practices. They represent Jesus Christ.” There is no reason why so many Christian marriages should end in divorce. There is no reason why people who call themselves evangelicals should account for one in every six abortions performed in America. There is no reason why more than half of our Christian teens are engaging in some form of sexual involvement to the detriment of their own hearts and futures. We’ve spent enough time in the middle of the road. It’s time to get in gear in the right direction and head for home. DISCUSS How would an outsider tell the difference between your family and one who didn’t claim to be Christian? PRAY Pray for the courage to determine and live by your convictions--biblical convictions--no matter the cost.

Troubled Comparisons

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. - 1 Timothy 4:4

 

Why is it that we don’t accept who we are? I don’t know about you, but I look at others around me (friends, people in the news, in movies, athletes, co-workers) and compare how I look . . . my clothes, my physical features, my sense of humor, my speaking ability, my communication skills, my car, my cell phone, my glasses, the color, length and fullness of my hair, and my experiences. 

If you’re like me, you always come up short and feel intimidated. You never measure up so you clam up. You don’t offer to use your gifts and talents because you’re feeling inferior. So your gifts and talents die inside you. You stop living, stop loving, and stop feeling. Some of you may have turned to things to numb the pain and shut down the lying, hounding voices of your past hurts, mistakes, disappointments, and your failure to measure up to others.

But it’s all a lie. God created you just as you are. Satan wants to shut you down. He doesn’t want the uniqueness of you to shine forth.  When you stifle who you are, you’re giving Satan a victory. When you allow your personality, your experience, your gifts and skills to shine forth, you’re giving God a chance to use you just as he made you. It’s only then that you’ll grow more and more into who he created you to be.

Accept who you are in Christ. He accepts you. Why don’t you accept you? There’s no reason good enough. Work through your insecurities and let God use you, starting today, just as you are.

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Men of faith

from BBH

Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said...Now therefore give me this mountain...if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out– Joshua 14:6,12
 

Are there any challenges, or trials, or ambitions in your life that seem to be insurmountable or unachievable? If so, then listen to the spirit and wisdom of Caleb’s words.

Understand, first, that Caleb is 85 years old when he makes this declaration. Secondly, “this mountain” is not some green-pastured, undefended plot of land; it is positively swarming with enemy combatants. But God had promised this land to Caleb and so he courageously claims it: “Give me this mountain.”

Such confidence might at first seem admirable, and yet naïve or unrealistic, in an 85-year-old man. But Caleb’s courage was based upon the wise realization that “if the Lord is with me, then I will be successful.”

All my excuses and fears are wiped away by this aged man’s faithful example. Is there anything in my life that seems insurmountable or unachievable? Then may Caleb’s faithful battle cry become my own.

If it is a sin against which I am striving, then I have been promised victory, with the Lord’s help -- give me this mountain! If it is a life endeavor that I am being led to undertake for the cause of Christ, then I have been promised success -- give me this mountain! If it is a particular grief that threatens to overwhelm me, then I have been promised the comfort and strength to overcome it by God’s grace -- give me this mountain!

Five-Fingered Prayer

by Kelly McFadden

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. --Ephesians 6:18

I received an email some time ago that demonstrated how to use your fingers to pray. It’s a simple reminder of how we can easily be reminded of different ways to pray for those around you. If you’re looking for ideas to improve your prayer life, give it a try.

Thumb: The strongest digit on your hand. Give thanks for all the strong things in your life, like home and family, or relationships that support and sustain you.

Index finger: This is the pointing finger. Pray for those people and things that guide and help you in your life. Friends, teachers, doctors, nurses, emergency services and so on.

Middle finger: The tallest finger. Pray for all the important people who have power in the world, like world leaders and governments, members of parliament and local councilors, city mayors and aldermen, or our president.

Ring finger: The weakest finger on your hand. It cannot do much by itself (ask anyone who plays piano). Remember the poor, the weak, the helpless, the hungry, the sick, the ill and the bereaved.

Little finger: The smallest and the last finger on your hand. Pray for yourself.

One of the things I like most about this guide to prayer is that it reminds me to keep others before myself. Too often when I pray, I immediately present God with my needs, wants and desires and then lose my train of thought before I even think to pray for anyone else. Try using this tool as you drive home from work or go out for a walk. Prayer is something we can do at all times and this may be just the tool to make it a part of your life, not just something you do before you go to bed or face a difficult situation. Prayer is an activity we can’t engage in enough.  God hears our prayers and your hand is a good way to remind yourself to pray for someone else.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Think through the five-fingered prayer.  Can you place someone you know in each category?

2. Today, when you are in your car, turn off the radio and put your cell phone aside.  Take some time to pray through your fingers for those in your life who fit each category.

Living as a Pilgrim

1 Peter 2:11

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
NKJV

Have you ever considered yourself a pilgrim in this world? It can be a hard concept to grasp since all we've ever known is earth, but if you have trusted in Jesus for salvation, then the Bible says that your real home is in Heaven with Jesus. Because of this Truth, we are not so easily trapped by the things of this world because we know them to be temporary. Our job, money, possessions and even relationships are gifts from God for us to use during our time on this planet. Like the manna from Heaven during the time of Moses, these items are here for a moment for us to use, yet our home is not the desert. Instead, our home is the Promised Land of God. The things we have are good, but what God promises for us in Heaven is greater.

How does that Truth change your perspective on life? It is not that this life is meaningless; in fact this life is filled with even greater meaning when we realize the purpose of our time here. We are here to point to Jesus. He has given us a command to tell others about His love and grace. While we can enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not be trapped by them because our purpose is great here on earth. Our purpose is to spread the news of our Lord who is eternal and His Word which will never change.

Life Lesson: When we live within the bounds of Scripture and in the power of Christ, we can change our world.

Dear God,
Thank You for the promise of Heaven and the blessings on earth. Give me an eternal perspective so that I can live as a pilgrim on this earth, sharing the love of Jesus with everyone I meet. Help me not to be distracted by the things of this world but instead, give me a greater passion for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

How To Stay United In The Face of Division

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

John 17:20-21

Everywhere I go today it seems I see churches divided. I was in another state preaching awhile back and it felt like everywhere they drove me, there were little tiny churches. So I asked the man who was with me, “Why are there so many churches? Was there some kind of big revival here?”

And he told me, “Nope. Every church you see only has a few people who actually attend it. They didn’t start from revivals, but from church splits.” He went on, pointing to the churches as we passed, “That church split because of the color of the carpet in the sanctuary... and that one split because they brought in a modern praise band.”

As he told me about the church splits, I was saddened. But unfortunately, I wasn’t surprised. It amazes me how men and women of God can find so many reasons to divide rather than unite for the cause of Christ. It’s contrary to the biblical message!

It’s time to stop the division and unite under the banner of Jesus Christ. Don’t let petty things drive a wedge in the body of Christ. Keep your focus on Christ, first and foremost, and that which threatens to divide us will fade away as our Savior is brought into focus!

FOCUS ON JESUS, NOT PETTY DIFFERENCES, AND YOU’LL FULFILL CHRIST’S COMMAND TO STAY UNITED IN THE BODY!

A Caring Father

Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION

Since God is responsible for man’s possessions or the lack thereof, some Christians question why God gives a man some things while He withholds from others. Romans 8:28
contains one of the answers as it points out that “all things work together for good.” This does not imply that everything in the believer’s life is enjoyable or good. It means that everything combined results in good. God works in every piece of a believer’s life. He combines all things so that even the supposed bad things result in what is “good” according to the will of God. So long as God is at the controls, contentment teaches man how to be satisfied. Man's conditions, circumstances, and possessions are appropriate because God has worked everything together for the good of that man.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Most children like to play out in the street. Why would parents not allow their children to play on a busy street? Why would Dad insist on his son only using a sharp knife when he is supervised? Girls love to help their moms cook, yet why do moms insist on removing the food from the oven themselves? These actions reflect the nature of God; He allows or doesn't allow things for our good and well-being.
• (For everyone): Knowing that God is your Father and that He cares for you, how do you think He feels when a Christian displays discontentment?
• Look back over your life and think about some of the things that you have desired but never received. Would all of those things have been good for you? What would have happened if God gave them all to you?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you yield every aspect of your life to His care.
• Ask God to help you be content in the areas in which you struggle.