Words

      

In a country church of a small town, an altar boy, serving the priest at Sunday mass, accidentally dropped the cruet of wine. The priest harshly slapped the altar boy on the cheek, and in angry voice, shouted, "Leave the altar and don't come back!" That boy became Tito, the Communist leader. In another cathedral of a large city, an altar boy, serving the bishop at Sunday mass, accidentally dropped the cruet of wine. With a warm, gentle look in his eyes, the bishop lovingly whispered, "Someday you will be a priest." That boy grew up to become Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Victor Hugo said, "Be it true or false, what is said about men, often has as much influence upon their lives, and especially upon their destinies, as what they do." Words are spirit, producing either death or life into people or situations. R. Whitman Seaman warned, "Words can be daggers plunged into the soul, and their wounds can leave scars for life."

In Matthew 12:36, Christ Jesus said, "But I say to you for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment." The word "idle" means "out of work." When our tongue is out of work, and not being used for useful purposes, it can cause immeasurable destruction. Proverbs 15:4 declares, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."

James wrote in 3:6 that the tongue "defiles" which means, "to spot or stain."
When Leonardo da Vinci was painting his great masterpiece, The Last Supper, he became angry with a friend. He spoke cruel and hurtful words to him, threatening his friend with vengeance. Returning to his work, he began to paint the face of Christ. He discovered, however, that he was so disturbed and upset that he could not compose himself sufficiently for the delicate work required of him. He immediately went out to seek his friend, humbled himself, and asked for his forgiveness. Then, in possession of a calm spirit, he was able to give the Master's face the tender expression that he knew He must have.

Proverbs 21:23 admonishes, "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble." Caution, "To unspeak a word you have spoken is no more possible than to unpick a flower you've already picked!"

 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one," Colossians 4:6.

Dave Arnold, Pastor
Gulf Coast Worship Center
New Port Richey, Florida

July Quote

...for you are God my Savior...

Psalm 25:5

 

Living Full of God

 

Living Full of God

Today's Scripture:

You shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace…
Isaiah 55:12, NKJV.

Today's Word:

The word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word “entheos.” “Theos” is God. When you’re enthusiastic, it simply means you are full of God. When you get up in the morning excited about your future, recognizing that day is a gift and go out with a spring in your step, pursuing your goals, passionate about life, then God will breathe in your direction. Studies tell us that people who are enthusiastic get better breaks. They’re promoted more often. That’s not a coincidence. When you’re full of passion, you have the favor of God.

Remember, God didn’t breathe His life into us to drag through the day. He didn’t create us in His image, crown us with His favor, equip us with His power to just go through the motions of life. You may have had some setbacks, the wind may have been taken out of your sail, but this is a new day! God wants to breathe new life back into you. If you’ll get your fire and passion back, the wind will start blowing once again. When you’re in agreement with God, He can cause the winds of favor to shift in your direction!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for another day, another opportunity to praise You and pursue the dreams You’ve given me. Help me to stay filled with Your joy, which is strength, so I can serve You with my whole heart in everything that I do in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

***

 

The Value of Memorizing Scripture

14 hours ago

by Rick Warren

“Whoever looks intently into the perfect law … and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (James 1:25 NIV)

 

If you’re serious about being spiritually strong and mature, the greatest habit you can develop is memorizing Scripture. In fact, the Bible says in James 1:25 that it’s one of four habits that leads to a blessed life.

• Read your Bible. “Whoever looks intently …”
• Review the Bible. “… continues in it …”
• Remember the Bible. “… not forgetting what they have heard …”
• Respond to the Bible. “ … but doing it …”

You don’t want to be a spiritual baby anymore. It’s time to grow up and live the blessed life you’re meant to live. Hiding God’s Word in your heart is an important way to start.
You may not think you have a good memory, but you remember what’s important to you.  You remember the phone numbers and dates that you care about. I’ve heard people say they can’t memorize anything, but they can quote songs from the 1960s and rattle off the statistics of their favorite baseball players.
Memory is a skill you can learn. It’s a muscle you can strengthen. In fact, memorizing Scripture will cause your brain to have a stronger memory in other areas. I guarantee it. Study after study has shown this.
Why is it important to memorize Scripture? 

• You’ll always have God’s Word with you. When you need the Bible, it’s never around. When you’re tempted, you don’t have a Bible open or by your side. When you’re witnessing to someone who doesn’t know Jesus, is under stress, needs comfort, or is in a crisis, there’s usually not a Bible around. You need God’s Word in your mind so you can remember it and review it right when you need it.
   
• You can meditate on Scripture wherever you go. You can’t review God’s Word unless you remember it. If you’ve memorized Scripture, you can think about it when you get into bed at night or as you drive to an appointment. You can think about the Bible because you’ve memorized it. That’s called meditation. The only promise of prosperity and success that God gives us in the Bible (Joshua 1:8) says that meditating on his Word is the key.

Start memorizing Scripture today. Pick a verse a week. In a year, you’ll have memorized 52 verses. In two years, you’ll have memorized more than 100 verses.
Talk About It

• You already know the ways you learn and memorize best. What tools, tactics, or people can help you memorize Scripture?
   
• How do you respond when God brings Scripture to mind in certain situations?

Just a simple thought

It’s been a long time that I didn’t write anything from my blog. Anyway, just want to share my thoughts on (1) Do I believe in God? (2) Why God created man and woman? Two of the questions that my colleague asked me recently.

Biblically speaking, I believed in God by faith. The One who created everything --- all that we see, feel, hear, smell and taste. He created heaven, earth, trees, mountains and animals.  What amazed me most… when He made the first man on Earth.  Tough. Brilliant. Powerful. I’m pretty so sure… he’s so handsome too. However, when God noticed that he’s so sad and lonely, He fashioned the first woman from the rib of a man (Genesis 2:22) while he was sleeping. Imagine how beautiful she was. Soft. Passionate. Submissive.

In the same way, both of them was intricately designed by God. Equally but totally unique. In many books that I’ve read about man and woman, I found out that understanding both man and woman is simply appreciating their own differences and similarities. What interesting about the fact was that they both complement with each other.

God created the first man and woman for them to worship Him. It’s the primary reason and because God alone cannot worship Himself, He decided to shape two individuals in His likeness. Imagine if you’re a dad or a mom, would you prefer to have a child or not. Of course, everyone preferred to have kids where we can show our love, generosity and care to them. In the same way, for us also to feel their love, appreciation, support and concern that these young individuals portrayed just exactly the same as we are.

Indeed, it’s nice to know how great and artistic our God is. If there are two things I want to ask from God, (1) is that, if all His creations will be going to heaven one day, will they still be forever young or old? (2) will they still recognize each other? This might be an endless questions but all I know, heaven is happiness. =)

 

Photo of the Day =)

July Quote

... and free me from my anguish.

Psalm 25:17

 

Overcome the World

 

Overcome the World

Today's Scripture:

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
John 16:33, AMP.

Today's Word:

When trials and tribulations come, as children of the Most High God, we can take courage; we can be confident, and we can have perfect peace. Why? Because perfect peace doesn’t come from the world. Courage doesn’t come from the world and neither does confidence. These things come from a relationship with Almighty God. We can have hope in challenging times because God has promised us victory. As long as we stay in faith, as long as we put our trust and hope in God, we will stay in victory.

No matter what you are facing today, remember, faith pleases God and opens the door for His supernatural favor, strength and wisdom. Don’t settle for defeat because you are preprogrammed for victory. Choose to thank Him for what He is doing in your life and for the victory that is on the way. Be strong, be bold and take courage today because God has overcome the world!

Prayer for Today:

Father in heaven, thank You for loving and setting me free. Thank You for Your promise of peace and victory in every area of my life. I choose to keep my mind focused on You today, knowing that You always cause me to triumph in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

 ***

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

14 hours ago

by Rick Warren

 

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.” (Matthew 5:9 MSG)

 

When people disagree with you, God wants you to respond with integrity, humility, and civility.
Sadly, civility has become a counter culture value in our society. I don't know if you’ve noticed how uncivil our culture has become. People are just flat out rude today. Have you noticed that? They’re rude. They’re not polite to each other. They’re not civil with each other.
As our nation becomes more pluralized — that means we have more people coming in from different perspectives, different places — the more divisive people are becoming.
I was interviewed the other day by somebody who said, “We keep hearing about this second reformation. What would you like to see happen in America?” I said I’d like to see three things: the restoration of credibility in the Church, the restoration of responsibility in individual lives, and the restoration of civility in our culture so you can disagree without being disagreeable.
Why do I want that? Because Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Not the people who create conflict and division but the peacemakers, the bridge builders.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight” (MSG). I want God’s blessing on your life, so I want you to learn how to be civil toward people. God wants you to do that.
One of the most famous quotes of Jesus is found in Matthew 7:12: “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (NIV). It’s called the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The word for that is “civility.”
Civility is just treating other people the way you’d like to be treated, even if you disagree with them — even if they’re flat-out, dead wrong. Even if they’re fighting against you, you treat them the way you would like to be treated. That’s civility.

Talk It Over

• How do you think the restoration of civility in our culture is tied to the restoration of credibility in the Church?
   
• What is your typical reaction when someone disagrees with you? How do you think God wants you to react?

July Quote

... and take away all my sins.

Psalm 25:18

 

Peace, Be Still

 

Peace, Be Still

Today's Scripture:

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39, NKJV.

Today's Word:

What do you do when the storms of life seem to be raging against you? One time Jesus was with His disciples in a boat out on the water when they encountered a great storm. The disciples were very afraid but Jesus, on the other hand, was fast asleep. When the disciples woke Him up to see if He could help them, Jesus got up and simply spoke to the storm, “Peace! Be still.” And the seas were calm again.

When difficult times come, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the waves of worry or fear. Just as Jesus stood up and spoke to the storm, you have power in your words, too. As a believer, the Bible tells us that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. That means God’s miracle-working power is on the inside of you. He’s given you His authority to declare peace over your home, over your mind, and over your family. Remember, no matter what storms may come against you, the Greater One lives on the inside of you, and He’ll empower you to live in victory in every area of your life!

Prayer for Today:

Father in heaven, thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit and for giving me Your authority here on earth. Today I declare peace over every area of my life and thank You for working things out for my good in Jesus’ Name.

***

To Find Yourself, Focus on God

14 hours ago

by Rick Warren

“If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.” (Matthew 10:39 MSG)

 

Jesus was a man who was purpose driven. He knew his purpose, and he lived with priorities. The earliest statement we have from Jesus was when he was 12 years old and said, “I must be about my Father’s business.” At age 12, he already knew his life plan. He was focused. Then, at the end of his life, he said, “It is finished.” Those are the bookends of a successful life.
I want you to live a successful life. I want you to get to the end of your life and say, “I did it. I used my life the way God wanted me. I may have had a rocky start. But I used the rest of my life the way God wanted me to use it. And I put him first.”
Jesus said in Luke 12:30, “Only people who don’t know God are always worrying” (CEV). What does that mean? It means that when you worry, you’re acting like an atheist. Worry is practical atheism. It’s saying you don’t really believe God’s going to take care of you. It’s acting like an orphan.
Jesus also said in verse 31, “Your Father knows what you need. But put God’s work first, and these things will be yours as well.” All the other things in your life — your career, your education, your friendships, your romance, your finances — are all from God and are good. But if you’re a Christian, God comes first in your life. Everything else is second place. When you put him first, everything else will come into focus. God will help you with that. 
Have you ever talked to people who say, “I'm just trying to find myself”? I hate to tell them, but they’re never going to find themselves — unless they do what Matthew 10:39 says: “If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me” (MSG).
The most counter-culture statement in today’s world is the first sentence of “The Purpose Driven Life”: “It’s not about you.” Everything in society says it’s all about you. All of the advertisements say it’s all about you: “Have it your way,” “We do it all for you,” “You deserve a break today,” “Obey your thirst,” “You’re worth it.”
Yet God says the only way you’re ever going to find yourself is by forgetting yourself and focusing on God. Then you’ll not only figure out God; you’ll also figure out you. That’s what it means to live like Jesus.

Talk It Over

• What are the things that you worry about?
• How do those worries reflect more of your selfish nature than your trust in God?

Nothing's gonna change my Love for you

July Quote

...for you, Lord, are good.

Psalm 25:7

 

The God of Comfort

The God of Comfort

Today's Scripture:

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…
Isaiah 66:13, NIV.

Today's Word:

Oftentimes, when people face challenges, they seek comfort by surrounding themselves with things that are familiar. It may be work, a sport or hobby; it may be relationships; or of course, we all know about comfort food. But those things are only temporary, and they can only bring temporary comfort. True, lasting comfort is available, and it’s only found in a personal relationship with God, the Father through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

According to Webster’s dictionary, comfort means to give strength and hope; to ease grief or trouble. No matter what difficulty you may be facing today, God wants to bring you comfort. Like a mother cares for her child, He longs to give you strength, hope and confidence. Make the decision to put Him first in every area of your life. Let go of those things you know are holding you back. Let Him be Lord over all! As you surrender to His grace, you will be filled with His peace and joy. You’ll be empowered to overcome every obstacle, and you will live in victory all the days of your life.

Prayer for Today:

Father in heaven, I come to You today and invite You to fill my whole being. Give me Your lasting comfort and strength. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live in the victory You have established for me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

***

 

Everything Is Possible

14 hours ago

by Rick Warren

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23 NIV)

 

To live like Jesus, you have to live with possibility.
This is the faith factor of living: You see the possibilities in life because you have faith. The Bible says, “The just shall live by faith,” “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” “Whatever is not of faith is sin,” “According to your faith it will be done unto you.” Mark 9:23 says, “Everything is possible for one who believes” (NIV).
I believe that followers of Jesus should be the most innovative and creative people on the planet because we serve a God who says all things are possible. The most narrow-minded people I know are people who don’t believe in God. Why? Because their possibilities are limited by their unbelief. When you put your faith in God, it expands your horizon. You can be much more creative and innovative.
You know what the greatest sin is? It’s not the one you’re thinking of. The greatest sin is unbelief — not trusting the God who made you. He made everything on the planet. He made everything in the universe. Everything you have, you owe to him. It all came from God. You wouldn’t have anything, not even your life if it weren’t for him. Why would you not trust him?
When you have unbelief, it limits your life.
The more you believe and trust God, the more limitless your possibilities become for your family, your career — for your life!
How would it make you feel if God showed you what you could have accomplished in life if you had just believed him a little bit more?

Talk It Over

• In what area or areas of your life are you limiting God by your unbelief?
• What needs changing in your life?
• What are you waiting for?

July Quote

Deliver Israel, O God,

from all their troubles!

Psalm 25:22

 

Photo of the Day =)

God Looks Beyond the Surface

 

God Looks Beyond the Surface

Today's Scripture:

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7, NIV.

Today's Word:

Your Creator can see things in you that other people cannot see. Sometimes people will try to push you down or make you feel insignificant. Sometimes our own thoughts will try to convince us that we don’t measure up. But God looks beyond the surface, beyond the mistakes you’ve made, beyond what somebody said about you and sees your incredible value. You may think, “Joel, I’ve messed up. I have blown it. I have failed. I’m all washed up.” No, God still sees more in you. God doesn’t just see what you are; He sees what you can become. You may have made some mistakes, but God still sees victory on the inside of you. People may have tried to push you down, but God sees you rising higher.

Now, you’ve got to do your part and get rid of those condemning thoughts. Get rid of what somebody has spoken over you and start renewing your mind. Down deep, start believing that you are redeemed, restored, talented and valuable. Even if you have made mistakes, believe that there is more in store. God’s not finished with you. He looks beyond the surface and sees your potential. Stay in step with Him and watch His plan for your life unfold.

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for looking beyond the surface and seeing the real me. Thank You for placing Your potential on the inside of me. Help me to know You more and see You more clearly so I can follow Your ways all the days of my life in Jesus’ Name. Amen

 

The Problem with Stuff

14 hours ago

by Rick Warren

“What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26 NLT)

 

Life keeps getting more and more complicated. And, on top of that, we keep adding more and more stuff to our lives. The problem with stuff is, the more you have, the more it takes to take care of it all — the more you have to clean it, the more you have to protect it, the more you have to insure it, and the more you have to repair it.
It isn’t too long before stuff dominates your life. My guess is you probably have more stuff than your parents did. In fact, today we have an entire industry that we didn’t even have 50 years ago. It’s called personal storage units. It’s like you don’t even have enough room in your house any more, so you have to put some of it in a storage unit and pay rent to hold all your stuff!
A lot of people think the whole purpose of life is just to collect stuff. You’ve seen the bumper sticker: “He who dies with the most toys, wins.” The truth is, “He who dies with the most toys ... still dies!”
But your life is not about things. God didn’t design you that way. You were never meant to keep collecting and collecting stuff. 
The other day on Twitter (@rickwarren), I sent this message: “When+Then” thinking is a lie: “When I get what I want, then I'll be happy.”
So how much more stuff do you need until you’re happy? In Matthew 16:26, Jesus says, “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (NLT)
Jesus modeled a very simple life. You don’t see him collecting things. He spent his time and energy on relationships — because he knew they were more important than all the stuff in the world.

Talk It Over

• If someone were to look at your life, what would he say is more important to you: things or relationships?
• What do you need to change about your attitude toward things so that you can be more like Jesus?

July Quote

.... for I take refuge in you.

Psalm 25:20

 

 

What He Says about You

What He Says about You

Today's Scripture:

" That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

(2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV)

Today's Word:

A man in scripture by the name of Gideon was called by God to lead the people of Israel against an opposing army. But, Gideon didn’t think he was capable.

One day, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Hello Gideon, you mighty man of fearless courage.” I can imagine Gideon was looking around thinking, “Who is He talking to? I am not a mighty man of fearless courage.” Gideon was afraid, intimidated, insecure; just the opposite. But notice, God didn’t call him what he was. God called him what he could become.

Today, know that God sees your potential. He knows what you’re capable of. You may feel weak, but God calls you strong. You may be intimidated, but God calls you confident. You may feel less than, but God calls you well able. Get in agreement with God and start believing what He says about you!

Prayer for Today:

Father, today I receive Your Words of life, strength and encouragement. I choose to see myself the way You see me. I choose to walk in the way that You have prepared for me. Thank You for loving me and filling me with Your joy and peace in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

***

 

 

Use Your Head!

14 hours ago

by Rick Warren

                                 

“Don't be nitpickers; use your head — and heart! — to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right.” (John 7:24 MSG)

 

Jesus was a man of great discernment, and if we want to be like him, we have to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us discernment. Having discernment means you evaluate things. You don’t just automatically accept what somebody tells you. You check it out. You don’t get sucked in by popular culture. Even if it’s mentioned on a talk show or a magazine cover or if everybody says it’s cool, you still check it out.
You ask questions like, “Is this the truth? Does this square with reality? How does this fit into God’s worldview?”
In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul says, “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God .… Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it” (MSG). That’s a snapshot of discernment at work in your life.
In John 7:24, Jesus says, “Don't be nitpickers; use your head — and heart! — to discern what is right, to test what is authentically right.” This is Jesus teaching discernment. In essence, he’s saying, “I don’t want you to be a nitpicker — sort of like a legalistic crank, who runs around criticizing everything. But I do expect you to use your brain and to not just automatically believe everything you hear or see."
We need to learn to discern and be aware of what we’re allowing into our minds. Let me ask you a couple of questions: Do you believe everything you read in the newspaper? How about everything you read in magazines, or hear on the radio, or watch on TV? What about the Bible? Do you believe everything that God says is true?
Then, here’s the question I ask myself sometimes: Why do we spend more time listening, watching, and reading something we don’t believe than something we do?
That’s why we need to live with discernment. In Luke 11:35, the Bible says, “Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness” (NLT).


Talk It Over

• If you used discernment to evaluate what you read, listen to, and watch, what would change about how you spend your time?
   
• Why do you think we spend more time listening, watching, and reading something we don’t believe than something we do?

 

 

The Master and its Masterpieces

 

Potentials are even more enhanced and developed through the proper guidance of our master, coach, teacher, professor or instructor in the field of the things

we truly enjoyed most. =)

 

July Quote

For the sake of your name, Lord,

forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

Psalm 25:11

 

Don’t Be Defined by the Limits of Others

Don’t Be Defined by the Limits of Others

Today's Scripture:

Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89, NIV.

Today's Word:

Most people’s thoughts were programmed by the people who raised them or by what somebody spoke over them. Maybe they were good people, doing the best they can, but their words are limiting you. As long as you believe what they said about you, their words are defining you. The key to breaking those limitations is to start meditating on what God says about you. A transformation will take place when you renew your mind. Reprogram your thinking with what God says about you. God says, “The path of the righteous gets brighter and brighter.” All through the day say, “I’m rising higher. I haven’t seen my best days. Something good is going to happen to me.”

As you meditate on His Word day in and day out, you’re breaking out past the limitations set by others. People may have spoken negative things over you, but the good news is that people don’t determine your destiny. You are not who people say you are. You are who God says you are. Don’t be defined by the limits of others. Believe God’s Word and see His victory all the days of your life!

Prayer for Today:

Father, I choose today to believe Your Word over the words of others. You are the one who defines my life. Search my heart; search my mind. Show me any areas where I need to be renewed to Your Word in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

***
God’s Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

14 hours ago

by Rick Warren

                                    

“Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways.” (1 John 3:8 MSG)

 

Jesus defeated death, and that means he also defeated the devil. Do you know that’s why he came to Earth? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 that “the Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways.”
What is the devil’s work? It’s messing up your heart. Filling it with worry. Filling it with guilt. Filling it with resentment. Filling it with anger. Filling it with fear. Filling it with confusion. It’s whispering in your ear that you’re worthless and helpless and hopeless and aimless.
Where else do you think that stuff comes from? It’s not from God. Satan uses these things to keep us enslaved. The biggest tool he uses to mess with our lives is fear.
But fear doesn’t come from God. In 1 John 4:18 the Bible says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (NIV). In fact, the Bible says, “God is love.” So when you’re afraid, that’s not from God — because there is no fear in love, and God is love.
As a pastor, I’ve learned that the number one fear for most of us is the fear of death. Satan will use that fear to manipulate us. But Jesus defeated death; he’s destroyed the devil’s work. And so, when we grieve a death, we grieve with hope.
We grieve because we miss those we’ve lost. We grieve, but we know that if they believed in Jesus, we will see them again in Heaven. They are waiting there in that place where we were all designed to go in the first place.
In Hebrews 2:14-15 the Bible says, “Since all of these sons and daughters have flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood to be like them. He did this so that by dying he would destroy the one who had power over death (that is, the devil). In this way he would free those who were slaves all their lives because they were afraid of dying” (GW).
Talk It Over

• What are your fears?
• How can you fill your life with more of God’s perfect love so that there is no room for fear?

July Quote

Relieve the troubles of my heart...

Psalm 25:17

 

Light Will Come

Light Will Come

Today's Scripture:

When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in.
Psalm 112:4, NIV.

Today's Word:

Anytime you are going through difficult, dark times, know that God already has a plan to bring you through to victory. When you call on His name, when you surrender your circumstances to Him, that’s when His light will come forth through the darkness. Notice, it’s not going to trickle in, it’s not going to just barely get there. No, like a flood, like the breaking forth of waters, it’s going to come bursting in!

I believe it means that suddenly, you’re going to get well. Suddenly, you will meet the right person. Suddenly, you’re able to pay your house off. Our attitude should be, “My child may be off course, making poor decisions, but I’m expecting a flood of God’s mercy to bring him back.” Or, “My house has been on the market for a year and still hasn’t sold, but I’m expecting a flood of favor to cause it to stand out and sell.”

In the midst of that difficulty, don’t get discouraged. You’re in a prime position to see a flood of God’s goodness. Keep praising Him. Keep thanking Him and stay in faith because His light will break through the darkness!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for being the light of the world. Today I lift my heart to You trusting that Your light will burst forth through the darkness. Thank You for Your good plan to renew and restore me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

***
New Life in Christ

14 hours ago

by Rick Warren                             

        

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV)

 

Can a butterfly go back into a cocoon after it’s come out as a caterpillar? Of course not. It can’t happen. Once the caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it is what it is — a butterfly.
When you become a believer, you’re like that butterfly — you come out of your cocoon. It may take you some time to fly spiritually, but once you become a new creation in Christ, you are what you are. You are a new creation.
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new” (CEV).
So what does it mean to become a new creation in Christ? The moment you believe in Christ, there’s a spiritual metamorphosis — everything changes! This is a matter of faith and not sight.
The greatest step of faith we can take in our lives is to believe what God says about who Jesus is and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
I believe the second greatest step you can take is to believe what God says about who you are. You are a new creation in Christ! The Bible says in Romans 6:14, “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace” (NLT).
A true life, a better life, a wonderful life is only found in Christ. When you become a Christian, you have a new life in him.
To help you understand how to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ and become part of God’s family, we’ve created a special page on my website, rickwarren.org. When you go there, click on the “Know God” tab, and you’ll find a video that explains what it means to be saved.

Talk It Over

• If you are a follower of Jesus, what’s the biggest change that God made in your life when you started that relationship?
• What does Paul mean when he says that “sin is no longer your master”?
• To whom can you confess your sin so that you no longer have it as a master?

What is a Blessing?

Smolchuck, Fred

When we pray, "Bless me Lord," (as we often do), what are we really seeking? Are we asking for His approval? Is it a plea for a good emotional feeling, or a request for His miraculous intervention in behalf of our physical, material or social needs?

God's blessing can touch many areas of life. The dictionary describes blessing as "a special favor granted by God." In reality, it is "the touch of God." His presence and power graciously steps in to meet our need. The divine favor may come as an anointing, an enduement of power, a gift of knowledge or an ability far above our own capability. When His blessing is upon us, needs are generously filled, potentials are enhanced, success and happiness are enjoyed. God's blessings should prompt us to admit, "It was God, -- I couldn't have done it without Him!"

Among many blessings received are life, a positive awareness of God's presence, contentment in difficult times, wisdom, health, security, success, peace, joy -- and much more. On the other hand, His blessing may not always be something He gives us, but rather, something He does not allow. A child, enticed by the flickering flame of a candle, is spared a painful burn when the mother pulls the child away and cries out, "No, don't touch!"

The "Blesseds" of Matthew 5:3-12 describe some benefits Jesus promised those who meet the requirements. They are: -- membership in the Kingdom of Heaven (vs.3); comfort in times of stress (vs.4); inheriting the earth (vs.5); spiritual fulfillment (vs.6); receiving mercy (vs.7); an audience with the Almighty (vs.8); declared a child of God (vs.9); a special reward in heaven (vss.10-12). And there is more.

Blessings are the warm smile of God bestowed on the godly (1Tim.4:8; 6:6); on those who abide in His Word Ja.1:25); on the obedient (Isa.1:19); those who fear Him (Ps. 112:1-3); please Him (Mt. 6:33); worship Him (Ps.24:3-6); The Psalmist asks: "Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies, They will receive the Lord's blessing and have right standing with God their Savior. They alone may enter God's presence" (Ps.24:3-6 NLT). He blesses those who stay close to Him.

The Amplified New Testament translates the "blesseds" of Matthew 5 as "happy," "enviably fortunate," "spiritually prosperous." Recipients of God's blessings have reason indeed to be happy. His blessings serve as living proof to the world that He is gracious, kind, and it pays to serve Him.

True blessings flow from God -- when we bless Him. "Your heavenly Father already knows your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern" (Mt.6:32,33, NLT). The steps to God's blessing are: (1) love Him, (2) obey Him, (3) faithfully serve Him, (4) be thankful to Him. By doing these things, we bless Him. We give Him joy. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our Salvation" (Ps.68:19). "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" (Ps.103:2).

God's blessings are bountiful. He promised: "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse...If you do...I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Let Me prove it to you!" (Mal. 3:10 NLT). God is extremely generous to His obedient and grateful children. "The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it" (Prov.10:22 NLT).

The greatest blessing one can receive is Salvation. Far more than anything physical, material or social, (for these are only temporal), receiving everlasting life is the greatest. "The Lord has pronounced His blessing, even life forevermore" (Ps.133:3 NLT). Eternal life is from God, and becomes ours when we come to Him -- His way. The blessing of salvation includes: 1. the cancellation of our guilt and punishment (Rom. 8:1); 2. the beginning of a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Jn.1:3); 3. establishing our eternal destiny with Him (Jn.14:3); 4. the improvement of the quality of our life here on earth (1Tim.6:6); 5. contentment and happiness (Phil.4:11; Psa. 16:11).

What are God's blessings? They are the pouring out of His loving care upon us to enrich our lives. The Lord is always ready to generously involve Himself in our affairs (Eph. 3:20). He wants to bless us, to help us. "My God shall supply all your need according His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). This becomes reality when we daily bless Him with thanks, adoration and faithful service. Incidentally, what have we done for Him lately? How have we blessed Him? Blessings in abundance await us. But have we thanked Him for what we have already received?

 

July Quote

Remember, Lord, your great mercy and

Love, for they are from of old.

Psalm 25:6

 

Break Out of Your Cocoon

Break Out of Your Cocoon

Today's Scripture:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…
Isaiah 54:2, NIV.

Today's Word:

On the inside of each one of us is a blessed, prosperous, victorious person. This person is free from addictions and bad habits, confident and secure in God. But just because that’s in you doesn’t mean it’s going to automatically come out.

In today’s scripture, that word “transformed” in the original language is “metamorpho.” It’s where we get our word “metamorphose.” We know how a caterpillar metamorphoses into a butterfly. This is saying that if you meditate on God’s Word, then a transformation will take place.

Think about the little caterpillar. It’s very plain, nothing really special about it. At a certain point, it forms a cocoon. The metamorphose starts to take place. It’s a process. Little by little it changes. One day, it begins to push out of the cocoon. Before long, it goes from being one of the plainest insects to being one of the most beautiful. Instead of having to crawl on the ground and squirm around, it can now fly wherever it wants to go. Today, why don’t you break out of your cocoon? Believe that God is at work in you. Believe that He has good plans for you. Believe that He will complete every good work that He’s started in your life!

Prayer for Today:

Father, thank You for the good plan You have for me. Thank You for Your Word which transforms me into Your image. I choose to trust, I choose to believe, and I choose to follow Your Word which is life to my soul in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

***
Jesus Paid the Price You Couldn’t Pay

13 hours ago

by Rick Warren

                                   

“He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.” (1 Timothy 2:6a NLT)

 
All of us are slaves of something. Maybe it’s our peers. Maybe it’s our lusts. Maybe it’s money. The Bible says in 2 Peter 2:19, “You are a slave to whatever controls you” (NLT). Based on this definition alone, all of us are slaves to something.
We don’t have to let anything enslave us, though. The Bible says Jesus bought our freedom: “He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:6a NLT). The Greek word for redemption actually refers to slaves who were purchased in a marketplace. In a spiritual sense, all of us were slaves to sin until Jesus purchased us out of the slave market and set us free from sin’s bondage.
Let me give you a picture of what Jesus’ death on the cross did to purchase our freedom. Imagine you’re in a busy marketplace with a lot of commerce going on. In the center of the marketplace, you’re in the middle of an auction, where you are being bid on. As each successive bid is shouted out, you look in the eyes of those who are bidding on you and try to size them up. Are they kind or cruel? Just as the auction is winding down, a stranger from the crowd stands up and offers a bid a thousand times higher than anyone else’s bid. There is no way anyone could ever match or beat that bid. As the auctioneer hastily accepts it, you look into that stranger’s eyes and realize he isn’t bidding on you to use you, like a slave. He’s buying you in order to set you free.
That’s just what Jesus did for you. He paid the price to set you free. The price for your freedom was so high you could never pay it. But he paid it for you.
Even if you’re a follower of Jesus, you may not be living in that freedom. You may be subtly allowing yourself to be controlled by your desires, your relationships, your schedule, or your fears. Galatians 5:1 says, “Freedom is what we have — Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again” (GNT).
So many people spend their lives seeking significance and freedom on manmade dead-end passes. Yet, here’s the amazing truth: “We can never redeem ourselves; we cannot pay God the price for our lives, because the payment for a human life is too great” (Psalm 49:7-8a).
The price for your freedom has already been paid. You’ve been bought. Are you living in that freedom?

Talk It Over

• In what ways do you let things other than God have mastery over your life?
   
• What kinds of activities have you seen people embrace in their search for spiritual freedom and wholeness?
   
• How does knowing and reflecting upon what Jesus went through to pay for your freedom change how you embrace that freedom?