JANUARY 23

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing. ” JOHN 21:3 NKJV

When Peter decided to go fishing that night, he may have been making a decision to get away from everything and go back to where he first met the Lord. That’s a good move! When you get discouraged you’ll either go back to the One who can save, keep and satisfy, or you’ll go back to whatever was

going on in your life before you met Him. That’s not a good move! Peter fished all that night and caught nothing. There’s a lesson there for you.

God said to the church in Revelation: “You have persevered … and have labored for My name’s sake and … not become weary. Nevertheless 1 have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works” (Rev 2:3-5 NKJV). Has your love for God grown cold? If so, you need to go back to where you first met Him, to seek Him again like you did before you’d heard so much and seen so much, before the pressures of life had worn you down. “But I’m busy doing the work of the Lord,” you say. Busyness and barrenness go hand in hand together. It’s possible to look like a saint in the courts of Babylon, yet be a backslider in the courts of Zion. Three times

Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” Finally Peter said, “Lord, You know all things; You know [the extent to which] I love You” (]n 21:17 NKJV). Oswald Chambers said, “Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus, is service to Him.”

Think about it.

Taken from the BEST OF WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Yogi Berra Quotes

“He can run anytime he wants. I’m giving him the red light.” — On the acquisition of fleet Ricky Henderson.

“I never blame myself when I’m not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn’t my fault that I’m not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?”

“It ain’t the heat; it’s the humility.”

“The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase.

JANUARY 22

Happy is the man who … gains understanding. PROVERBS 3:13 NKJV

An important key to building a strong team is being open to new and different ideas. One of your greatest dangers as you become older (or more successful) is that your thinking can become institutionalized-which is just another word for “fossilized.” To remain successful you must create an environment in which the free exchange of information and ideas takes place. If people had not been permitted to try things we’d still be traveling by horse and carriage, dining by candlelight, and dying a lot earlier from preventable diseases. It’s said that knowledge is doubling every five to ten years. That lets us know how much we didn’t know-when we thought we knew it all.

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.” We must honor what we’ve learned by building on it, but we never stop asking, “Is there a better way?” Champions don’t ease up because they’re ahead of the competition; they’re still accelerating as they cross the finish line. The

competition keeps you sharp. You need them.

Irish singer Bono said something worth noting: “I would be terrified to be on my own as a solo singer .. .I surround myself with … a band, a family of very spunky kids, and a wife who’s smarter than anyone … you’re only as good as the arguments you get. So maybe the reason why the band hasn’t split up is that

people might get this: even though I’m only one quarter of U2, I’m more than I could be if I was one whole of something else.” Solomon put it this way: “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens … his friend” (Pr 27:17 NKJV).

Taken from the BEST OF WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Yogi Berra Quotes

Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.”

“It’s never happened in the World Series competition, and it still hasn’t.”

“How long have you known me, Jack? And you still don’t know how to spell my name.” — Upon receiving a check from Jack Buck made out to “bearer.”

“I’d say he’s done more than that.” — When asked if first baseman Don Mattingly had exceeded expectations for the current season.

“The other teams could make trouble for us if they win.”

JANUARY 20

Love cares more for others than for self. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:7 TM

Many of us would rather settle for achieving less, than put up with “people-problems.” But fulfilling a great dream usually means having a great team. And great teams are made up of people with strengths and weaknesses. God seldom calls us to do the job alone; He calls others to stand with us. So, do you know who belongs in your life?

Jesus chose twelve disciples to help Him fulfill His mission on earth. One of them doubted Him, one denied Him and one betrayed Him. Yet He called them, knowing what they were and could become. After listing hardships that would make your worst day look like “a walk in the park,” Paul writes, “Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of … all the churches” (2 Co 11:28 NIV). How did Paul evangelize Asia, guide the church and write half the New Testament? Through a team; he introduces them in Romans 16. Let’s look at one of his team-building secrets. It’s called:

Love. If you don’t genuinely care about people they’ll sense it and they won’t stay with you. If you’ve a high turnover in your relationships, that could be your problem. Even your best team members will go through times that affect their performance. Jeremiah got so stressed out that he wanted to quit the ministry and go into the motel business (See Jer 9:2). Paul advised his right-hand man Timothy to “use a little wine because

of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (lTi 5:23 NN).

Here’s a helpful prescription for the stress that goes with people- problems. Write it down on a 3×5 card and read it regularly. “Love cares more for others than for self. ”

Taken from the BEST OF WORD FOR YOU TODAY

Yogi Berra Quotes

Once, Yogi’s wife Carmen asked, “Yogi, you are from St. Louis, we live in New Jersey, and you played ball in New York. If you go before I do, where would you like me to have you buried?” Yogi replied, “Surprise me.”

“Do you mean now?” — When asked for the fifth time.

“I take a two hour nap, from one o’clock to four.”

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

“You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn’t enough in the second half you give what’s left.”

“90% of the putts that are short don’t go in.”

JANUARY 17

He opened not his mouth. ISAIAH 53:7 NKJV

sometimes it’s wise to wait, to say, “I don’t have the answer now but I’ll think about it, pray, and get back to you.” Your need to rescue someone, or impress them and make points, will come back to bite you. The Bible says, “A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly” (Pr 12:23 NIV). Allow wisdom to determine your response, not ego!

When people are anxious for answers they’ll pressure you into speaking before you have all the facts or have taken time to pray and consider the situation. If you ask Him, God will tell you what to say and when to say it. His promise is: “I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of

my hand” (Isa 51:16 NIV). Ego says, “Don’t just stand there, say something.” Wisdom says, “Don’t just say something, stand there!” Quietly ask God for insight. One insight from Him can settle things in a hurry. Someone else’s need to know shouldn’t determine your need to speak.

When Jesus stood before Pilate in judgment He said, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Mt 26:53 NIV). Yet the Bible says, “He opened not his mouth.” When He was brought before Pilate, Jesus just stood there and said

nothing. That’s because He was not on trial, Pilate was. Jesus knew His destiny, and most importantly, He knew His Father intimately. And when you know God, you can face anything with confidence-and be free to be quiet. What a wonderful place to be!

Taken from the BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

A father and his son are hiking in the Grand Canyon. They go around some bends, over some hills, and through some nooks. They round the bend and see a native American sitting on a rock. The father points to the native American and says, “Son, native Americans have the best memory of any peoples in the world.” The young son thinks he’s quite the smart one and goes up to the native american and says, “What did you have for breakfast last Tuesday.” Without hesitation the native American responds, “eggs.” The son is impressed and goes on with the hike with his father.

​30 years later the son is now a grown man, and is hiking the same trail with his own son. He goes around the same bends, over the same hills, and lo and behold, rounds the corner and there is that same native American on the same rock. He’s an older wiser man now, and will really test this native American. He walks up, raises his hand in greeting and says “HOW” Native American responds, “Scrambled.”

JANUARY 15

All that the Lord has said will we do. EXODUS 24:7 NKJV

How can you make God’s Word more personal and effective in your life? By receiving it as a practical, not a theoretical Word. The Bible is not God’s attempt to offer illuminating insights, interesting theories or good advice for our consideration. No, it’s an authoritative, indisputable statement of eternal truth for us to live by. It’s intended for real-world application. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock” (Mt 7:24 NKJV). The obedient builder’s rock-solid foundation withstood the storm’s violence. Conversely, “Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them,” Jesus says, is a fool, and the storms will erode his

foundation (vv. 26-27). Now, Jesus didn’t condemn this man for building an inadequate structure, Of failing to hear, understand and believe His words, but for failing to act on them. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says … the man who looks intently into the perfect law

… not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does” (Jas 1:22-25 NIV). If we think reading, knowing, and even believing God’s Word fulfills our obligation to it, we’re self-deceived. Because it’s God’s Word, His intention for it must be fulfilled. That requires not just believing, but behaving the Word. James didn’t say, “he will be blessed in what he believes,” but “he will be blessed in what he does!”

When Moses read God’s Word to the Israelites, they said, “‘All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” Amen.

Taken from the BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

A blind man walks into a bar and sits down, thinking he’d break the ice with the bartender by asking “Wanna hear a blonde joke?”

In a hushed voice, a man beside him says “Before you tell that joke, you should know our bartender IS blonde, our bouncer is blonde, I’m a 6’4″ black belt, the man sitting on the other side of me is 6’2, 250 lbs, and a rugby player. The guy sitting next to you is pushing 300, 6’6, and he’s a wrestler. We’re ALL blonde. So you think about it mister, do you really wanna tell that joke?”

​The blind man sat for a second, thinking over the odds and then replied “No, not if I have to explain it five times.”​

JANUARY 13

Open your ears to the words of his mouth. JEREMIAH 9:20 NIV

What attitude brings the greatest benefit when hearing or reading God’s Word? Receive it as God’s Word-not man’s! It’s propagated by us, but originated by Him. “When you received the word of God .. from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is … the word of God” (1 Th 2: 13 NKJV).

Here are four things you must always remember about your Bible: (a) It’s authoritative. “They were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority … they were all amazed … saying, ‘What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out'”

(Lk 4:32-36 NKJV). The forces of darkness around us must recognize and submit to God’s authoritative Word. So stand on it! (b) It’s creative. “By God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed” (2Pe 3:5 NIV). His Word alone was enough to create all that exists. He doesn’t have to strive or sweat, He just has to say it and it’s done. So speak God’s Word! (c) It’s effective. “My word … will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isa 55:11 NIV). Every Word God speaks is on a mission and is guaranteed to accomplish it in accordance with His

will, His strategy and His timing. So put God’s Word to work! (d) It’s dynamic. “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (In 6:63 NIV). When you receive it as the Word of God, it produces life-changing results. It can’t just sit there and do nothing, it must generate, for it is “the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Th 2: 13 NKJV)!

Taken from the BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

A man walked in a men’s clothing store and told the sales manager he wanted a job as a salesman.

“Sorry, we don’t need any salesmen,” the manager told him.

“But you’ve got to hire me,” the man said. “I’m not just your ordinary salesman. I’m the world’s greatest salesman!”

The sales manager again refused, but the man hung on and was so convincing that finally the manager said, “OK, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. See that suit over there hanging on the back wall. After you’ve dusted it off, you’ll see that is has padded shoulders, pointed lapel, and a belt in the back. It’s sort of a blue-orange-green-purple plaid. I don’t even remember how I got stuck with it. Now, I’m going to lunch and I’m going to leave you in charge. If you can sell that suit before I  get back, you’re hired.”

About an hour later the sales manager returned to find the store was in a mess. The rugs were ripped, a showcase was turned over, and merchandise was all over the floor. But the suit was gone.

“Well, I see you’ve sold the suit.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“It looks like you had a little trouble with the customer, though.”

“No, Sir. Not a bit of trouble with the customer, but oh that seeing-eye dog.”​

JANUARY 13

Open your ears to the words of his mouth. JEREMIAH 9:20 NIV

What attitude brings the greatest benefit when hearing or reading God’s Word? Receive it as God’s Word-not man’s! It’s propagated by us, but originated by Him. “When you received the word of God .. from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is … the word of God” (1 Th 2: 13 NKJV).

Here are four things you must always remember about your Bible: (a) It’s authoritative. “They were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority … they were all amazed … saying, ‘What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out'”

(Lk 4:32-36 NKJV). The forces of darkness around us must recognize and submit to God’s authoritative Word. So stand on it! (b) It’s creative. “By God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed” (2Pe 3:5 NIV). His Word alone was enough to create all that exists. He doesn’t have to strive or sweat, He just has to say it and it’s done. So speak God’s Word! (c) It’s effective. “My word … will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isa 55:11 NIV). Every Word God speaks is on a mission and is guaranteed to accomplish it in accordance with His

will, His strategy and His timing. So put God’s Word to work! (d) It’s dynamic. “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (In 6:63 NIV). When you receive it as the Word of God, it produces life-changing results. It can’t just sit there and do nothing, it must generate, for it is “the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Th 2: 13 NKJV)!

Taken from the BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

A man walked in a men’s clothing store and told the sales manager he wanted a job as a salesman.

“Sorry, we don’t need any salesmen,” the manager told him.

“But you’ve got to hire me,” the man said. “I’m not just your ordinary salesman. I’m the world’s greatest salesman!”

The sales manager again refused, but the man hung on and was so convincing that finally the manager said, “OK, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. See that suit over there hanging on the back wall. After you’ve dusted it off, you’ll see that is has padded shoulders, pointed lapel, and a belt in the back. It’s sort of a blue-orange-green-purple plaid. I don’t even remember how I got stuck with it. Now, I’m going to lunch and I’m going to leave you in charge. If you can sell that suit before I  get back, you’re hired.”

About an hour later the sales manager returned to find the store was in a mess. The rugs were ripped, a showcase was turned over, and merchandise was all over the floor. But the suit was gone.

“Well, I see you’ve sold the suit.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“It looks like you had a little trouble with the customer, though.”

“No, Sir. Not a bit of trouble with the customer, but oh that seeing-eye dog.”​

Give, and it will be given to you. LUKE 6:38 NIV

When it comes to giving, the Bible dearly teaches us two things: (1) We should give, expecting to receive! You say, “If I get more, I’ll give more.” No, you’ve got it back to front. Jesus said, “Give and it will be given to you … the measure you use … will be measured to you” (Lk 6:38 NIV). The level of your giving determines the level of your receiving. So break through your barriers of fear and put God to the test, He won’t disappoint you. (2) We get back more than we give. Paul writes, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will. .. increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (2Co 9:10 NIV). Notice, some of the seed [money] God gives us is for food (our own needs), and some is for “a harvest of righteousness.” What does that mean? Paul explains: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever” (2Co 9:9 NIV). To be truly

righteous we must show compassion toward the hurting and give generously to those who are unable to provide for themselves. The Bible says that when we give to the poor, we lend to the Lord and He will repay us (See Pr 19:17). Imagine the interest God pays! Jesus describes it as: “Good measure, pressed

down, shaken together and running over.” There’s no lack of

money in this world; God just wants to get it into the right

hands!

And by the way, giving is not just how the church raises its budget, it’s how God raises His children so that His work gets accomplished and they get blessed in the process. So, how’s your giving?

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

A lawyer was in his BMW when he opened the door to get out, an oncoming truck hit the door, ripping it off, and went on.

The lawyer calls the cops.

 Lawyer (Whining): Officer, look what happened to my beamer.​

Officer: You lawyers are so materialistic it makes me sick. You are so worried about your car that you did not notice that your arm is missing as well.

Lawyer (in shock): Oh my God! Where’s my Rolex? …

How can you make sure you don’t wake up sleepy and grumpy?

Don’t have a sleepover with the Seven Dwarfs.

Bill: My grades are underwater.

Phil: What do you mean?

Bill: They’re below C level

JANUARY 9

He canceled the record … against us . . .by nailing it to [Christ’s] cross. COLOSSIANS 2:14 NlT

ow would you like to have a list of all your sins and shortcomings made public? Not a pleasant thought, eh? Does such a list even exist? It does, and it’s a lengthy one. It details all the bad decisions you’ve made, the hateful acts, the unforgiving attitudes, the prejudices, the greed, the lust, the lies; the Bible says God has recorded them all. But you’ve never seen the list, have you? No, and neither has anybody else. That’s because: “He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to [Christ’s] cross” (vv. 13-14). Knowing full well that the price for our sins was death, “Christ died … once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (l Peter 3:18 NIV). Note the words “forgave” and “canceled the record of the charges against us. ” If those words don’t thrill your soul, nothing will!

Jesus set aside His divine robes and put on our sin-stained garments of shame. the shame of hanging naked before His friends and family; the shame of failure where it seemed for a while that Satan was the winner and Jesus the loser; the shame of our transgressions as “He … bore our sins in his body … so … we might. .. live for righteousness” (l Peter 2:24 NIV).

Is there a limit to His love? If there is, David the adulterer never found it. Nor Paul the persecutor, Nor Peter the liar. Nor the thief on the cross. And you won’t find it either. When Jesus cried from the cross, “It is finished,” God wrote “Paid in full” over every sin you’d commit-from the womb to the tomb!

Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY

​A big, burly man visited the pastor’s home and asked to see the minister’s wife, a woman well known for her charitable impulses.

“Madam,” he said in a broken voice,

“I wish to draw your attention to the terrible plight of a poor family in this district. The father is dead, the mother is too ill to work, and the nine children are starving. They are about to be turned into the cold, empty streets unless someone pays their rent, which amounts to $400.”

“How terrible!” exclaimed the preacher’s wife. “May I ask who you are?”

The sympathetic visitor applied his handkerchief to his eyes. “I’m the landlord,” he sobbed.

What do porcupines say when they kiss?

Ouch

If Ella from Ella Enchanted married Darth Vader would she be Ella Vader?