HE WON’T GIVE UP ON YOU
HE WON’T GIVE UP ON YOU
APRIL 9
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. (Isaiah 55:11)
The reason I keep urging you to get into God’s Word is that the more you hear His thoughts, the more you start thinking like Him! Peter became so dependent upon the words of Jesus, that when others walked away, he said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal lite” (John 6:68). Job said that he considered God’s words more necessary than food. (See Job 23:12.) It’s through the Word that God speaks to you, comforts you, counsels you, and deals with your problems.
God’s Word will accomplish what He sends it to do. He won’t stop in the middle of the job, and He won’t give up on you. He’ll keep hammering until the foundation is secure and the building is strong.
And the wonderful thing is that no one will ever know that you were in such terrible shape! He’ll cover you with His precious blood even while He works on you. Think of it: you’re covered while you’re being changed into His image. In a world void of commitment, isn’t it comforting to know that God won’t give up on you?
IF ANYBODY OUGHT TO PRAISE THE LORD, IT’S YOU!
Taken from the BEST of the Word for Today
Russell lived all his life in the Florida Keys and is on his deathbed and knows the end is near. His nurse, his wife, his daughter and two sons, are with him.
He asks for two witnesses to be present and a camcorder be in place to record his last wishes, and when all is ready he begins to speak:
“My son, Andy, I want you to take the Ocean Reef houses.”
“My daughter Sybil, you take the apartments between mile markers 100 and Tavernier.”
“My son, Jamie, I want you to take the offices over in the Marathon Government Center.”
“Sarah, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings on the bayside on Blackwater Sound.”
The nurse and witnesses are blown away as they did not realize his extensive holdings, and as Doug slips away, the nurse says, “Mrs. Pender, your husband must have been such a hard-working man to have accumulated all this property.”
The wife replies, “He had a paper route.”
THERE’S NO NEED TO HIDE
THERE’S NO NEED TO HIDE
APRIL 8
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4: 13 NIV)
God knows your every thought! You can’t lie to Him;. He knows you inside out. Just be honest and say, Father, this is what’s tempting me; please help me! Cleanse me and give me strength. Thank You for loving me in spite of all You know about me. Forgive me for judging others. If it were not for Your mercy, I would be guilty of the very things for which I have condemned them. Help me to be more like Jesus.”
The Book of Hebrews doesn’t stop by telling us God sees and knows everything about us. Listen: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). Great news! You have a high priest, and He has provided forgiveness for all your sins.
Today, if you’re frustrated by your failures, and discouraged over your defeats, listen: He can be touched with the feeling of your infirmities. He’s been to your point of despair. He’s faced the tempter in every area-and defeated him. All He asks is an invitation to cleanse your heart and mind.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO HIDE ANYMORE- HE’S WAITING TO FORGIVE AND RESTORE YOU. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK HIM.
Taken from the BEST of the Word for Today
After an hour of “Just a little more white, two squirts of blue, a dash of black, perhaps a tad more white,” the paint-store clerk got my gallon to the exact shade I wanted. With a sigh of relief, he pounded the lid on. “Now what do I do if I need more paint?” I asked. “Don’t come back here,” he begged. ..
A farmer went to a big city to see the sights. He asked the hotel’s clerk about the times of meals. “Breakfast is served from 7 to 11, dinner from 12 to 3, and supper from 6 to 8,” explained the clerk. “Look here,” inquired the farmer in surprise, “when am I going to get time to see the city?” …
JUST ONE
APRIL 5
Be an example . . . in the way you live. (1 Timothy 4: 12 NLT)
We all need heroes-people we admire for their achievements and character. People who aren’t afraid to be different and who dare to stand “a cut above.” Real human beings with flaws and failures, yet ones who inspire and bring out the best in us, by modeling excellence when no one’s looking—or, for that matter, when half the world is looking! It seems to me that we’re running short of folks like that.
Here’s a question for you. Would you be surprised to know that for some people, you are that person? That’s right! It may be where you work, even though nobody’s mentioned it. It may be where you live even though no neighbor has had the nerve to say to you, “You’re the one we all watch.” It may be at school, where you’ve decided to stand out, rather than just blend in with the crowd.
One thing is for sure, if you knew how many people really felt that way, you’d be a lot more careful, wouldn’t you? You see, it takes real commitment to make a difference, Mediocre people impact nobody–at least not long-term.
BUT ONE COMMITTED PERSON-JUST ONE-CAN CHANGE SO MUCH! TODAY, ASK GOD TO MAKE YOU THAT PERSON.
From THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY.
The computer in my high school classroom recently started acting up. After watching me struggle with it, one of my students took over. “Your hard drive crashed,” he said.I called the computer services office and explained, “My computer is down. The hard drive crashed.””We can’t just send people down on your say-so.” “How do you know that’s the problem?” “A student told me,” I answered. “We’ll send someone over right away.” …
PAGANINI’S VIOLIN
APRIL 4
Great gifts mean great responsibilities. (Luke 12:48 TM)
Paganini, one of the greatest violinists of all time performed his first concert at age eleven. He revolutionized violin technique in Europe forever. When he died in 1840, he willed his violin to his birthplace, Genoa, on one condition-that no other artist ever play it again. The city fathers agreed, and put it in a beautiful case, where thousands came to view it.
But wooden instruments have a certain peculiarity. So long as they’re played, they show no wear. But left unused they decay, which is what happened to Paganini’s violin. It became worm-eaten and useless. Other violins of the same vintage, handed down through generations from one gifted musician to another, continue to bless the world. But today, Paganini’s instrument remains a crumbling relic of what it might have been. What a lesson!
Paul told his spiritual son, Timothy, “Do not neglect the spiritual gift: You received” (1 Timothy 4:14 NIT). Success is an ongoing thing. It involves growth and development. It involves achieving one thing, and using that as a stepping-stone to accomplishing the next. There’s no stopping place.
What you don’t nurture decays. But by consistently working on your gift, you’ll produce something that will not only give you JOY, but will also serve and bless others.
THAT’S WHAT GIVES LIFE REAL PURPOSE!
From THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY.
A young girl was examining her grandmother’s wedding ring.”Wow, what heavy and awkward rings they made fifty years ago!” commented the young girl.”That is true,” replied the grandmother, “but in my day they were made to last a lifetime!” …
A construction worker accidentally cuts off one of his ears with an electric saw.He calls out to a guy walking on the street below, “Hey, do you see my ear down there?”The guy on the street picks up an ear and yells back, “Is this it?””No,” replies the construction worker. “Mine had a pencil behind it.” ..
WHEN YOU’RE WAITING
APRIL 3
Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee. (Psalm 37:34)
Waiting is not wasted time! When David was called by God to be Israel’s next king, he was in a cave hiding in fear for his life, and wondering, Where is God in all this? So how do you behave In a cave? What do you do in a waiting period?
First, David encouraged himself in the Lord. (See 1 Samuel 30:6.) He reminded himself of God’s faithfulness, and so should you. God told Moses to put Aaron’s rod and some manna into the Ark of the Covenant as constant reminders of BJs great faithfulness. Abraham built seven altars during his life as memorials to God’s goodness. Start remembering!
Next, David thought of Joseph’s experience. Listen: “Until God’s time finally came-how God tested his patience!” (Psalm 105: 19 TLB). David learned from Joseph; whom are you learning from?
When Potiphar threw Joseph into prison, he didn’t lie there thinking, This is the break I’ve been waiting for. No, waiting can be rough. That’s why you have to fill your cave with praise and make your waiting room a worship room! It will help you hold on a little longer. Stay shut in with God, and when the time is right He’ll come and get you.
GOD DID IT FOR DAVID AND JOSEPH, AND HE WILL WORK IT OUT FOR YOU, TOO-IF YOU’LL ONLY WAIT.
From THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY.
There once was a man who loved puns. They were his favorite kind of humor, and he would often spend time trying to come up with new ones. One morning he was feeling particularly inspired and thought up ten brand new puns. And so he went about his day with the intention of using his new puns to get a laugh from his friends, but unfortunately, no pun in ten did. .
An old farmer was inconsolable after his dog goes missing. He took out an ad in the newspaper, but two weeks later, there’s still no sign of the mutt. “What did you write in the ad?” his wife asks.”Here, boy,” he replies. …
PERSISTENCE
APRIL 2
Staying with it-that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry. (Matthew 24: 13 TM)
Abraham Lincoln said, “Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. Elbert Hubbaid wrote, “There is no defeat, except in no longer trying; no really insurmountable barrier, save our own inherent weakness of purpose.
Charles Lindbergh said, “Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he encountered and the courage he maintained in his struggle against It.
The University of Chicago conducted a five-year survey of twenty top performers in various fields, including musicians, athletes, sculptors, mathematicians, physicians, actors, artists, scholars, and,chief executives. They also interviewed the families and teachers of these celebrated high-achievers to find out how they did It.
What they discovered was that drive and determination-not-talent-led to their success! Imagine that! Just plain old stick-to- it-iveness!
Anybody who ever did anything worthwhile persevered. The Master Teacher himself gives us the formula for success m these words:
“STAYING WITH IT-THAT’S WHAT GOD REQUIRES. STAY WITH IT TO THE END. You WON’T BE SORRY” (MATTHEW 24:13 TM).
From THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY.
Q: What do you call someone who can’t stick with a diet?
A: A deserter. .. The old pastor made it a practice to visit the parish school one day a week.He walked into the 4th grade class, where the children were studying the states, and asked them how many states they could name. They came up with about 40 names. He jokingly told them that in his day students knew the names of all the states. One lad raised his hand and said, “Yes, but in those days there were only 13.” …
DO YOU FEEL USED?
April 1
The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid what can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:6 NIV)
When your trust has been betrayed, you feel angry and want to strike back. Something inside you cries, It’s not fair! You want to even the score. .
Don’t do it! ‘Turn to Jesus instead! He, too, was betrayed, so He understands. Through this you can learn how to forgive and become more gracious. Don’t sink to the level of the person who hurt you. Take the high road!
When David’s friends turned against him, he first prayed, “Tell me what to do, 0 Lord. “Then he continued, “I am expecting the Lord to rescue once again I will see his goodness to me” (Psalm 27:11-13 TLB). Cry out to God for help, and then be confident that He’lI answer you!
Go Ahead – ask Him to help you forgive those who’ve turned against you. Don’t let bitterness rob you of the wisdom you can gain through this or the blessings that await you on the other side of it.
When you think you’ll never be able to trust again, that is when you must place your trust in God and let Him heal your heart and mind, Pray; “Father, I am hurt, but I won’t let it infect my spirit or destroy my faith in You.
I NEED TO FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE BETRAYED ME. I DO SO TODAY IN YOUR NAME. AMEN.”
From THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY.
What did one ocean say to the other ocean? Nothing, they just waved.
A strawberry and a cucumber grew up in the same garden patch. They were best buds growing up. As they grew older, they decided it was time to branch out, leave home, and see the world. So they hitched a ride on a nearby vegetable cart and took off. Their first stop was at a local farmer’s market. Unfortunately, that’s where the trouble started. A big row broke out and they got separated, one of them ending up in a jam and the other in a pickle. …
MORE ABOUT WALKING WITH GOD
MARCH 29
… Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. (Ephesians 4:1 NKJV)
The moment you say yes to God, and move in obedience to His voice, He gives you the ability to perform His will. He doesn’t give it to YOU first, then call you next; no. He calls you; then, as you step out and obey Him, He imparts it to you. God is never content with the status quo. Never! Every day in countless ways He’ll call you, mold you, and develop you into a greater and greater likeness of His Son.
You see, you’re not out for a stroll-you’re going somewhere! God has a destiny in mind for you! Every day you’ll be given new experiences and put into situations that’ll mature you to the point where you have … the same attitude … the same perspective … and the same discernment as Him.
When you understand that, walking with God will take on a whole new meaning. You’ll realize that your walk with Him is the only walk that will ever satisfy you, or fulfill your purpose for being on this Earth.
YOU’LL ALSO EXPERIENCE THE GREATEST JOY YOU’VE EVER KNOWN-AND BRING CREDIT TO HIS NAME
EVERY DAY!
Taken from THE BEST OF WORD FOR TODAY
A pastor parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter.Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: “I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.”When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.” …
DID NOAH FISH? A Sunday school teacher asked, “Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?””No,” replied Johnny. “How could he, with just two worms.” …
CALL IT GRACE
MARCH 28
I am the Lord … the merciful and gracious God. (Exodus 34:6 NLT)
God loves you just as you are, but He loves you too much to let you stay that way! Do you think God’s love for you would be stronger, if your faith was stronger? If so, you’re confusing God’s love with human love. Human love increases with performance and decreases with mistakes. But not God’s love. He loves you just as you are.
Having trouble accepting that? Listen to how God introduces himself: “I am the Lord, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6 NLT). In spite of failures, David could say, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1). Need more to convince you? Paul writes, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT).
Get rid of your do-it-yourself righteousness! Salvation’s not, “Do! Do! Do!”lt’s, “Done! Done! Done!” It’s a finished work; therefore, you can stand before Christ in His name and not your own. Perhaps you’re thinking, This sounds too easy. Wrong! There was nothing easy about it! The cross was heavy, the blood was real, and the price was staggering. It would have bankrupted you or me, so He paid it for us.
CALL IT SIMPLE:-CALL IT A GIFT-CALL IT WHAT IT IS: GRACE:!
Taken from THE BEST OF WORD FOR TODAY
The Child is brilliant. No one else would have thought of the answers he gave and by the way they were all correct. Depends on your mind set.
STUDENT WHO OBTAINED 0% ON AN EXAM* I would have given him 100%! * Each answer is absolutely grammatically correct, and funny too. *
The teacher had no sense of humor. (cont’d)
Q7.. What looks like half an apple?*
* The other half*
Q8.. If you throw a red stone into the blue sea what will it become?*
* Wet*
Q9.. How can a man go eight days without sleeping?*
* No problem, he sleeps at night.*
Q10. How can you lift an elephant with one hand?*
* You will never find an elephant that has one hand.*
Q11. If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in other hand, what would you have?*
* Very large hands*
Q12. If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it?*
*No time at all, the wall is already built.*
Q13. How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?*
*Any way you want, concrete floors are very hard to crack.*
Spread some laughter, share the cheer. Let’s be happy, while we’re here!
A NEW MEASURING ROD
MARCH 27
Among you, those who are the greatest should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. (Luke 22:26 NLT)
In this devotional we often write about goal setting, perseverance, motivation, and destiny. And we should-for without a goal, a strategy, and a committed heart, you’ll never fulfill your life’s purpose.
But in your quest for success and recognition, Jesus gives you a new measuring rod. Listen: “Normally the master sits at the table and is served …. But not here! For I am your servant” (Luke 22:27 NLT).
In Jesus’ day, foot-washing was a task reserved not just for servants, but for the lowest ranking among them. Every group has its pecking order, and household workers back then were no exception. The servant at the bottom was expected to be on his knees with the towel and basin.
What a sight. The one here with the towel and basin is Jesus! The hands that formed the stars now wash away street filth. The fingers that formed the mountains now dry the rough feet of common fishermen. Hours before His death, Jesus’s singular concern is to make sure the disciples know that in His Kingdom the way up is down, and the way to the top is not through intelligence or manipulation, but through humility and service. Living that way is not natural-it’s supernatural!
YOU CAN ONLY DO IT AS YOU SURRENDER DAILY TO THE INDWELLING POWER OF HIS SPIRIT.
Taken from THE BEST OF WORD FOR TODAY
The Child is brilliant. No one else would have thought of the answers he gave and by the way they were all correct. Depends on your mind set.
STUDENT WHO OBTAINED 0% ON AN EXAM*
I would have given him 100%! * Each answer is absolutely grammatically correct, and funny too. *
The teacher had no sense of humor. :)*
Q1.. In which battle did Napoleon die?*
* his last battle*
Q2.. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?*
* at the bottom of the page*
Q3.. River Ravi flows in which state?*
* liquid*
Q4.. What is the main reason for divorce?*
* marriage*
Q5.. What is the main reason for failure?*
* exams*
Q6.. What can you never eat for breakfast?*
* Lunch & dinner*