Daily Thought for Tuesday, November 1st

November 1, 2011

Being Aware of Your Words

Today’s Thought:

“The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” – Mark Twain

Today’s Quote:

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” – Rudyard Kipling

Today’s Question:

Did you know that there are times when: “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightening and the lightening bug?” – Mark Twain

Today’s Bible Verses:            Matthew 12:35-37 &  James 3:3-10

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“If all who speak would weigh their words, how light the air would be.” – Anonymous

Have you ever stopped to think about how many words you utter in a day?

But greater still, have you ever stopped to consider what those words might meant to those who have heard them?

Often our words have a far greater impact than we might imagine.

The old adage, we all heard as children, is very apt and appropriate: especially for us as Christians: We need to ‘think before we speak.’

Sadly we, especially with our brothers and sisters in the faith, put words out there before we sometimes even think of the impact they will have.  I have heard more people state they have been hurt by what some brother or sister said: when often that brother or sister isn’t even aware of the offense.

I’ve often heard it said, ‘Silence is golden:’ and maybe if we don’t weight and consider the impact of what we are saying – many times it might behoove us to remain quiet.

The gift of language and the tools of communication are vital to the development of our relationships with others – yet if we are not careful these same tools for good can become weapons for destruction.

May we all be challenged to give a pause and actually consider the implications and potential impact of what we say – before we way it.

Today’s Prayer:

Father help me to be diligent to watch what I say: and when I do, even if it is unintended, hurt someone with my words – let me be humble enough to make amends if I can.

“A single word often betrays a great design.”

- Jean Baptiste Racine

Daily Thought for Monday, October 31st

October 31, 2011

Be Not Afraid

Today’s Thought:

“There is no terror in a bang, only in the anticipation of it.”  – Alfred Hitchcock

Today’s Quote:

“We often pretend to fear what we really despise, and more often despise what we really fear.”  – Charles Caleb Colton

Today’s Question:

Did you know that: “Fear is the main source of superstition and one of the main sources of cruelty: To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom?” – Bertrand Russell

Today’s Bible Verses:     Psalms 27:1,  2 Timothy 1:7   &  Luke 2:10-11

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  –  Franklin D. Roosevelt

Fear of the unknown or sometimes even fear of the known can paralyze and cripple our abilities to be effective and productive.

This is especially true for Christians.   Often we fear if we are to ambitions or to effectual in our efforts to witness and pray, and serve God by serving others: what the devil may bring into our lives to discourage us or attempt to intimidate us back into complacency.  Sadly, many Christians view their spiritual journey towards Heaven as one necessary of staying under the radar and not being detected.

Here are some good thoughts on fear and Christianity from a few anonymous sources:

“Fear is simply unbelief parading in disguise.”

“Fear is the darkroom where the devil takes you to develop your negatives.”

“Fear and faith cannot keep house together; when one enters the other departs.”

“Feed your faith, and your fears will starve to death.”

“Fear knocked at the door.  Faith answered.  No one was there.”

And one of my favorites:

“Don’t fear tomorrow; God is already there.”

We need not fear but rather we need to be bold in the Lord and in the power of His might.

We are over comers and more than conquerors in Him, who loved us and gave himself for us: and no weapon formed against us can prosper: for we shall do valiantly for it is He who will cast down our enemies.

We need to be courageous.

“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” – Anonymous

Be not afraid: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” – The Bible (Romans 8:31)

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I know I need not fear things that go bump in the night nor principalities or powers, for you are my protector and my defender: and for this I give you thanks.

“Fear betrays unworthy souls.”

– Vergil

Daily Thought for Friday, October 28th

October 28, 2011

Be Wise

Today’s Thought:

“No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.”  – The Bible (Job 28:18)

Today’s Quote:

“A wise man sees as much as he ought, not as much as he can.”  – Michel de Montaigne

Today’s Question:

Have you ever stopped to consider that: “The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is to acknowledge our own ignorance?” – Charles Spurgeon

Today’s Bible Verses:     Proverbs 24:3-6  &  Proverbs 2:1-2

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.  A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;  So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;"  –  The Bible (Proverbs 2:10)

“A man should never be ashamed to own that he has been in the wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.” – Jonathan Swift

Sometimes the greatest testament to wisdom is the recognition of what one does not know.  The ability to see that we have limits to our understanding and knowledge is the first step in helping us to start on the journey of learning.

Another form of wisdom is to be able to recognize when to take actions and when to remain still and quite.  “The wise man would rather see men needing him than thanking him.” – Baltasar Gracian

And probably the highest and most significant proof that one has attained wisdom is found in the individual that has reached the determination that in and of themselves they are capable of not much – but with God they have unlimited potential.

The wisest of persons knows that they must decrease and God must increase in their lives in order for God’s work and His will to be fully accomplished to it’s greatest end.

And as a wise person we must continually seek wisdom and hunger for understanding, especially when it comes to the things of God.

“He who asks a question may be a fool for five minutes: he who never asks a question remains a fool forever.” – Anonymous

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”  - The Bible (Matthew 7:7-8)

A wise person knows the best place to gain wisdom is at the feet of the one who posses all wisdom – and that is God.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I need to be wiser than I am, but wise enough to know just how wise I’m not.

“Wise men change their minds, fools never.”

– Anonymous

Daily Thought for Thursday, October 27th

October 27, 2011

Be Ambitious

Today’s Thought:

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”  – Robert Browning

Today’s Quote:

“I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.”  – John Keats

Today’s Question:

Did you know that having long-range goals often keep us from becoming overly frustrated by short-term failings?

Today’s Bible Verses:     Proverbs 16:3,  Psalm 27:4  &  Colossians 3:23-24

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“You have to think anyway, so why not think big?"  –  Donald Trump

It has often been said, ‘Anything worth doing is worth doing well;’ and this proverb has never been truer or more applicable than when it is applied to our spiritual lives and our service for the Lord.

Captain James Cook said, “I had ambition not only to go farther than any man had ever been before, but as far as it was possible for a man to go.”  We need to have similar ambitions when it comes to living for God.

And we need to remember that when we engage in ambitious endeavors for the Lord, we should not do them for the recognition or praise of men.  “He that does good for God’s sake seeks neither praise or reward; he is sure of both in the end.” – William Penn

We are encouraged by scripture to “… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – The Bible (Romans 12:1-2)

When we seek to serve God it should be with all that we are to achieve the greatest for His glory that is possible.  We need to be ambitious, excited and eager to seize every opportunity and to make the most of it that we can for His honor and His glory.

Nothing is too good for God: and He deserves more than greater and better than best: so in all we do for Him may it be totally, completely and without reserve or reservation: giving all we are for all He is to us.

And may we always keep this in mind: “You do not test the resources of God until you attempt the impossible.” – F. B. Meyer

More often than not, when we do our best and we have done all we can do: God will do the rest so that we can achieve greater things than even we dared to imagine.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, when it comes to doing things for you, may I reach for the stars, knowing when I have reached as far as I can you will help me get the rest of the way.

“The ripest peach is highest on the tree.”

– James Whitcomb Riley

Daily Thought for Wednesday, October 26th

October 26, 2011

Be Obedient

Today’s Thought:

“Obedience is the mother of success, and the wife of security.”  – Awschylus

Today’s Quote:

“Every great person first learned how to obey, whom to obey, and when to obey.”  – Anonymous

Today’s Question:

Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that even though Jesus knew more than his parents: he still obeyed them?

Today’s Bible Verses:     Proverbs 16:17-20,  Isaiah 1:19-20  &  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“The Christian who claims the promises of God should also obey the commands of God."  –  Anonymous

To be obedient requires that we do what we know is right.  To do what we know is not right is simply sin.  “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” – The Bible (James 4:17)

Disobedience has been around since Adam and Eve: and since their time all humanity seems to battle and struggle with the concept of being obedient.  Children struggle with obeying their parents: teens struggle with obeying authority: adults struggle with obeying period.  We all struggle.   And of course Christians struggle with obeying God.

It would seem logical to think that obeying would be preferential and more profitable in the long run: yet for some strange reason:  more often than not, it is easier to choose not to obey.  Remember, “The cost of obedience is nothing, compared to the cost of disobedience.”  - Anonymous 

First – obedience pleases God, while our disobedience separates us from our closeness with Him and it disappoints Him greatly.

Secondly – obedience brings blessing and peace: while disobedience brings consequences and sometimes shame.

Keep this in mind the next time you are struggling with a choice between obedience and disobedience:  The Lord said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” – The Bible (John 14:15)

Today’s Prayer:

Father, even though sin may seem pleasurable for a season, the joy in knowing I have pleased you is greater than any pleasure sin could bring – so help me to be more obedient.

“Delayed obedience is the brother of disobedience.”

– Anonymous

Daily Thought for Tuesday, October 25th

October 25, 2011

Be Hospitable

Today’s Thought:

“A house may draw visitors, but it is the possessor alone that can detain them.”  – Charles Caleb Colton

Today’s Quote:

“A hundred thousand welcomes. I could weep and I could laugh, I am light and heavy.  Welcome.”  – William Shakespeare

Today’s Question:

“What is there more kindly than the feeling between host and guest?” – Aeschylus

Today’s Bible Verses:           Luke 14:23,  Hebrews 13:1-2  &  1 Peter 4:8-10

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Happy the man who never puts on a face, but receives every visitor with that countenance he has on."  –  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Having guests seems to require a great deal of preparation for most of us. That does not diminish our act of being hospitable: but are we really being hospitable in the Biblical context when we only have guests that we are able to prepare for in advance?

Spiritual hospitality requires a perpetual willingness to open our hearts to whoever may come a calling.

Being hospitable in a spiritual context, I think, transcends the concept of opening our homes for a meal or an overnight stay:  I rather believe it means opening our hearts and taking the time to be friendly, to listen to care about the people we encounter, where ever that might be.  Oft I think it is less about inviting someone to come over, as it is being willing to share our time and space with those who are right around us.

Sadly, in our busy work a day worlds, we tune people out thus in effect shutting the door to the opportunity of allowing our lives to touch each other’s.

Unfortunately this happens a lot in our churches as well.  We have our groups and our meetings but if you’re not a regular part or participant sometimes we just aren’t as inviting and friendly as we ought to be.

Being hospitable from a spiritual perspective means being open to receiving all those folks God brings into our life to share in our experiences together.

Are you a hospitable person?  If not wouldn’t you like to be?  Remember if we love God we will do those things He tells us to: and He tells us to be hospitable.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, forgive me if and when I have made others feel unwelcome in my world.  Help me to be a better host, more willing to freely share of the grace, love and blessings I have received with those who I may encounter.

“Welcome is the best cheer.”

– Thomas Fuller

Daily Thought for Monday, October 24th

October 24, 2011

It’s All About the Doing

Today’s Thought:

“Saying is one thing and doing is another.”  – Montaigne

Today’s Quote:

“It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”  – The Christopher Society Motto

Today’s Question:

Would you concur with the notion that: “Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds?” – George Eliot

Today’s Bible Verses:           Ecclesiastes 9:10 &  James 1:22-25

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“No one knows what he can do till he tries."  –  Publilius Syrus

Speaking and listening are important in our ability to learn and grow in the things of God’s Kingdom: but equally, if not maybe more important, is the act of doing what we hear and acting on what we say. 

It is not enough to just listen to God’s word being explained: nor is it sufficient to orate what we believe: we need to put feet to our faith and action to our beliefs and get busy living and serving: not just listening and talking.

We will learn more about God’s grace by getting in the trenches and serving Him than we ever will by sitting in a pew and singing “Amazing Grace.”

It is important to read, study and listen to God’s word being taught and preached: but it is also critical to our spiritual development and well being to get our hands dirty, ‘so to speak,’ by applying what we read and hear to the actions we take and the events we engage in.

Many can, ‘Talk the talk:’ but greater is the witness of that individual who ‘Walks the walk.’

People will believe more in what they see us do: rather than what they hear us say.

Some say ‘talk is cheap’ but few would argue that ‘actions speak louder than words.’

As Christians it’s often more about the doing than it is about the hearing or saying if we really want to be pleasing to God. 

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I want to hear more and even say more about you: but at the end of the day I want to do more thus physically demonstrating your love and hope to the world.  Help me be a better doer.

“Do noble things, do not dream them all day long.”

– Charles Kingsley

Daily Thought for Friday, October 21st

October 21, 2011

Love

Today’s Thought:

“Love like virtue, is its own reward.”  – John Vanbrugh

Today’s Quote:

“Love is above all, the gift of oneself.”  – Jean Anouilh

Today’s Question:

Doesn’t it seem somewhat logical that: “If you would be loved,  {you should} love and be loveable?” – Benjamin Franklin

Today’s Bible Verses:         1 John 4:7-11, 1 Colossians 3:14 &  Matthew 5:43-44

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

And above all these things put on charity {love}, which is the bond of perfectness.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Love never claims, it ever gives"  –  Mohandas K. Gandhi

We are each born with the need to love and be loved.

Sadly, as time passes and life sometimes takes its toll: many find it harder to give love and some find it hard to receive love.  This must break God’s heart. “He who love touches not walks in darkness.” – Plato

As Christians we know we are to love God unconditionally.  “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” – The Bible (Deuteronomy 6:5)

And we also know we are to love each other.  “…Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” – The Bible (Matthew 19:19)

So why do we find it so hard to love the way God intends for us too?

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Robert A Heinlein

It seems our society has taught us to be so selfish and self absorbed that many find it difficult to value the happiness of others as being either more important or at least as important as our own.  Again, I believe this breaks God’s heart.

Aren’t you glad Jesus didn’t put his comfort, happiness and well-being before His love for His Father and their love for us?  If He had: He probably would not have gone to the cross in our place.

As Christians we need to return to our first love: the one who gave His all for us.  And we need to recall and reflect on how greatly and immensely we are loved and we need to love others in like kind.

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity {love}, these three; but the greatest of these is charity {love}.” – The Bible (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I know how much you love me and for that I am in awe and ever grateful: help me to love others the way I am loved.

“All you need is love.”

– John Lennon

Daily Thought for Thursday, October 20th

October 20, 2011

Without Faith It Is Impossible

(You Can’t Fix Faith – Faith Fixes You)

Today’s Thought:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  – The Bible (Hebrews 11:6)

Today’s Quote:

“I am one of those who would rather sink with faith than swim without it.”  – Stanley Baldwin

Today’s Question:

Would you be willing to agree with this childlike statement, spoken by a young boy to Samuel Clemmons: “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so?” – Anonymous (from Mark Twains Notebook)

Today’s Bible Verses:         Hebrews 11:1-3, James 2:26 &  James 2:14-18

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Faith does not admit of telling.  It has to be lived and then it becomes self-propagating."  –  Mohandas K. Gandhi

We cannot become a Christian without some degree or measure of faith.

But to say we have faith is not enough.  We must let our faith live.  Faith is more than believing in or about something:  It is acting on that belief and letting those actions attest to and reinforce what we say we believe.

Here are a few thoughts on faith:

“You can do very little with faith, but you can do nothing without it.” – Samuel Butler

“Faith is not being sure where you’re going but going anyway.” – Frederick Buechner

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into light.” – Helen Keller

“Faith is the opening of all sides and at every level of one’s life to the divine inflow.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Faith is a commitment to the world’s transformation through God to a kingdom of justice and peace.” – James W. Douglas

With faith we can move mountains, we can overcome evil, we can live peace filled and joyous lives.

If you really want to please God, then you must profess your faith then live your faith by acting like you believe in what you say you do.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, with each new day may my faith grow and may my actions speak loudly to testify to the faith I claim to have.

“Real works are the natural products of faith taking its next step.”

– Paul Goodman

Daily Thought for Wednesday, October 19th

October 19, 2011

Forgiveness

Being Forgiven vs. Being Forgiving

Today’s Thought:

“Forgiving our enemys haz the same refreshing effect upon our soul az it duz tew confess our sins.”  – Josh Billings

Today’s Quote:

“One pardons in the degree that one loves.”  – La Rochefoucauld

Today’s Question:

When it comes to forgiveness and forgiving have you ever considered that: “Children are innocent and love justice, while most adults are wicked and prefer mercy?” – G. K. Chesterton

Today’s Bible Verses:         Luke 6:35-37  &  Matthew 6:14-15

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“To understand is not only to pardon, but in the end to love."  –  Walter Lippmann

Forgiveness is another one of those tough topics that many don’t like to spend too much time on. 

Of course we have no problem embracing being forgiven, especially by God for our sins, but often we have more distresses over dealing with the truth that we too need to give as good as we get when it comes to forgiveness.

Peter asked Jesus: “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – The Bible (Matthew 18:21-22)

Scripture also tells us: “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.” – The Bible (Luke 6:27-29)

It seems to me the whole concept of forgiveness is rooted in love.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” – The Bible  (John 3:16 - 17) Therein is the substantiated truth that the forgiveness for our sins comes as a result of love from God to us.

And are we not directed to love one another?  And would that not also include forgiveness?

Remember this: Jesus said, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”  - The Bible (Mark 11:25-26)

So when it comes to forgiveness is it better to give or to receive?  It seems that according to God’s point of view – these two are interconnected.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, you have taught us that he to whom much is given, much is required:  I know I need ample portions of forgiveness – may I be as free to give to others that which I so desperately need.

“It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.”

– St. Francis of Assisi

Daily Thought for Tuesday, October 18th

October 18, 2011

Sin

Today’s Thought:

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”  – The Bible (James 4:17)

Today’s Quote:

“No sin is so light that it may be overlooked; no sin is so heavy that it may not be repented of.”  – Moses Ibn Ezra

Today’s Question:

 Have you ever considered the possibility that: “We are sinful not merely because we have eaten of the Tree of Knowledge, but also because we have not yet eaten of the Tree of Life?” – Franz Kafka

Today’s Bible Verses:         1 John 2:4,  1 John 1:8,  Romans 3:23  &  Romans 6:23

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“A man does not sin by commission only, but often by omission."  –  Marcus Aurelius

In the world today, sin has become a bad word.  Some think it is politically incorrect to label certain acts or deeds as sins because it is polarizing and negative.  Sadly, many churches have adopted a more socialized gospel where sin takes on an abstract quality that is hard to define and what is sin, is left up to an individual perspective and interpretation.  However, this is not what God intended and ‘sin’ is still ‘sin’ whether we wish to call it that or not.

Ultimately sin is anything and everything that causes us to be disobedient to God.

In the Garden of Eden the first sin was not eating, it was disobeying a directive from God. 

And we need to remember that while God has promised to forgive our sins through His Son, Christ Jesus, that does not instantaneously remove all the consequences associated with our sins.  “The mercy of God does not suspend the laws of cause and effect.  When God forgives me a sin, He destroys the guilt of sin but the effects and the punishment of sin remain.” – Thomas Merton  For example: if one lives riotously and promiscuously indulging in excesses, drug use, abuse of alcohol and frequent and unprotected sex: that soul may come to a place where they repent and confess those sins and even turn from those sins: but that does not immediately undo the damage already done to the body by virtue of these abuses.  (This is an extreme example: but it clearly clarifies the point)

Even, once we have turned from our lives as sinner and become Children of God that does not mean we will never sin again.  We may not commit the same sins but we will sin.  For most Christians the longest lists of their sinful deeds are not always those of sins committed but by virtue of the deeds they have omitted that they are suppose to be doing.  For example, daily prayer, searching God’s word to seek wisdom and understanding, putting God first in our lives, loving our neighbor as ourselves, serving Him by serving others, and the list could go on.

That is why we need to be repentant daily.  The model prayer that Jesus taught the disciples included a petition for forgiveness: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” – The Bible (Matthew 6:12)

And maybe we should also keep this in mind:  “There is no record of Christ’s having ever said to any man ‘Go and sin as much as you like: you can put it all on me.’ He said, ‘Sin no more.’” – George Bernard Shaw

Today’s Prayer:

Father, I give thanks not that I am a sinner but that I am a sinner saved by grace.  Forgive me my trespasses and enable me to be willing to forgive equal to the measure in which forgiveness is needed.

“Hate the sin and not the sinner.”

- Mohandas K. Gandhi

Daily Thought for Monday, October 17th

October 17, 2011

Temptations

Today’s Thought:

“Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.”  – Anonymous

Today’s Quote:

“While forbidden fruit is said to taste sweeter, it usually spoils faster.”  – Abigail Van Buren

Today’s Question:

When it comes to temptations, would you agree that one should; “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing great or small, large or petty, - never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense?” – Winston Churchill

Today’s Bible Verses:            1 Corinthians 10:12-13  &  James 1:12-16

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Adam did not want the apple for the apple’s sake, he wanted it only because it was forbidden."  –  Mark Twain

Every child faces it: every adult succumbs to it – there is not one of us who has not been tempted by something, at some point, and we have given in.  For most of us it is that extra helping or the piece of pie or cake we shouldn’t eat because we are on a diet.  These temptations are not of the devil and thought we often like to quip, ‘The devil made me do it;’ does not apply.

In fact the devil can’t make us do anything: he can only tempt us: it is our choice as to whether or not we give in.  Only one person has ever successfully resisted temptation one hundred percent of the time, and that was Jesus.  That is why we are told in scripture that when we give in to temptation and sin – we need to be diligent to repent, confess our sin to God and ask for His forgiveness – which He promises to give.

Temptations both naturally and spiritually are a part of life and there is no way to completely shield our selves from them.

But here are a few suggestions from anonymous sources:

“He who flees temptation should not leave a forwarding address.”

“If God bolts the door, do not climb through the window.”

“No one can be caught in places he does not visit.”

“When you meet temptation, turn to the right.”

And here is a good one to remember:

“Unless there is within us that which is above us, we will soon yield to that which is around us.”

When it comes to temptations we might be wise to head these words:

“Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.” – The Bible (Proverbs 7:24-26)

When it comes to temptations as Mark Twain said, “It is easier to stay out than to get out.”

The Bible says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” –   (James 4:7)

Temptation will undoubtedly come knocking on your door: will you answer, will you invite it in, or will you send it on its merry way?

Today’s Prayer:

Father, grant me the strength to overcome temptations and if I give in; help me to learn from my mistakes and apply more restraint and energy into resisting them when they come around again.

Daily Thought for Friday October 14th

October 14, 2011

The Spiritual Principle of

Preparations

Today’s Thought:

“It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”  – Howard Ruff

Today’s Quote:

“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.”  – John Wooden

Today’s Question:

Did you know, many believe; “Today’s preparation determines tomorrow’s achievements?” – Anonymous

Today’s Bible Verses:            2 Timothy 4:1-4,  1 Peter 3:15  & Luke 3:4-6

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory."  –  A Spanish Proverb

To be prepared basically means getting ready.  The analogy of running a race is presented to us in scriptures: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” – The Bible (Hebrews 12:1)   Most runners have to prepare if they plan to run and finish their race.  And if they wish to be successful they have to be faithful and diligent, even dedicated to their preparations.

Spiritually speaking this is true for we Christians as well.  We must prepare for the race we have been given to run.  Our race is called life and how we run it often depends on how well we prepare for it. 

Part of our preparations are detailed for us in Ephesians 6:10 –18.  There we are instructed to ‘put on the whole armor of God’ and we are instructed to ‘pray always with all prayer and supplication.’

We are told also in Jesus’ teaching: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – The Bible (Luke 9:23)

In Second Timothy we are instructed to ‘study.”

We are also instructed to serve: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” – The Bible (Galatians 5:13)

In order to successfully run our race: to effectively and efficiently serve God and each other: we need to be prepared. 

As Christians our preparations involve Bible Study, Prayer, Fellowship, Praise, Thanksgiving and surrender.

In fact, probably the greatest step and often the hardest, that we all must take is to surrender our will; our plans; our goals; our ambitions; our desires and our lives fully to Him.

And by the way, this preparation is not a one-time thing – it is a daily process.

“There are four steps to accomplishment: Plan purposely, Prepare prayerfully, Proceed positively, Pursue persistently.” – Anonymous

Are you ready to get ready to run your race?

Today’s Prayer:

Father, often I want to do without making the necessary preparations to get me ready to succeed.  May I be more faithful to my daily preparations.