HOW TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
MARCH 26
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge. (John 5:30)
Jesus spent three and a half years showing us how to build a relationship with God. He didn’t respond to need. He only responded to the Father. Listen to these words; “I can’t do a solitary thing on my own; 1 listen, then I decide” (John 5:30 TM). The King James Version says, “As I hear, I judge.” What a way to live. When you hear from God, people can no longer control you or set your agenda. Unmet needs can no longer discourage you, for you’re listening to one voice only-His.
Jesus spent whole nights in prayer, and often rose before dawn to pray. What was He doing? Making deposits early in the morning, so that He could make withdrawals all day long.
Listen again: “For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does” (John 5 :20 NKJV). You don’t reveal yourself to just anyone-only to those with whom you’re intimate.
Power flows from intimacy. Wisdom flows from intimacy. Authority flows from knowing you’ve been with God.
The Bible tells us that Jesus called the disciples to be with Him, and then He sent them out from Him. Don’t try to go out for Him until you’ve first spent time with Him.
DON’T TRY TO BUILD A MINISTRY UNTIL YOU’VE FIRST BUILT A RELATIONSHIP, AND IF THAT MEANS
REARRANGING YOUR PRIORITIES, THEN DO IT.
Taken from THE BEST OF WORD FOR TODAY
My brother was recently launched into the “real world” and shocked by the expenses that came with it. He was complaining about the high cost of auto insurance.”If you got married,” teased my dad, “the premium would be lower.” He smiled. “That would be like buying an airline just to get free peanuts.”
“What is that sound?” a woman asked at our nature center. “It’s the frogs trilling for a mate,” Patti, the naturalist, explained. “We have a pair in the science room. But since they’ve been together for so long, they no longer sing to each other.” The woman nodded sympathetically, “The trill is gone.” …
YOUR TIME HAS COME
March 25
None of my words will be delayed any longer. (Ezekiel 12:28 NIV)
The Living Bible says, “All delay has ended! I will do it now!” Rejoice, child of God, your delivery date has come. The waiting is over. God is about to answer your prayer.
When Peter was imprisoned, the Church began praying around the clock. It worked. The angel of the Lord came and delivered Peter to the very door where they were praying. But when they heard Peter was at the door, they said, “It couldn’t he.” When it was confirmed, they said, “It must he an angel.” Finally, when they saw him, Scripture says, “They were astonished” (Acts 12: 16). They were praying, but not believing. They were locked into a posture of asking, but not expecting. Maybe that’s where you are, expecting little or nothing. Today God is saying to you, The answer is knocking at your door, go and open it.
Don’t wait until the walls fall-shout now. When praise fills your mouth, expectation will fill your heart, and God will move on your behalf When God gives you a word, act on it! Before their prison doors opened, Paul and Silas filled the place with praise, for that produces a climate in which faith can grow. So start praising Him now for what He is about to do.
HIS WORD TO YOU TODAY IS, “ALL DELAY HAS ENDED. I WILL DO IT NOW!”
Taken from THE BEST OF WORD FOR TODAY
Before a burglary trial, the judge explained to the defendant, “You can let me try your case, or you can choose to have a jury of your peers.” The man thought for a moment –“What are peers?” he asked.” They’re people just like you, your equals.” “Forget it,” retorted the defendant. “I don’t want to be tried by a bunch of thieves.” .
Don’t challenge Death to a pillow fight, …Unless you want to deal with the Reaper cushions. ..
THE GENTLENESS OF JESUS
MARCH 22
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench. (Isaiah 42:3)
I love to talk about Jesus, and I find myself increasingly wanting to be around others who love to talk about Him, too. It’s a growing hunger that’s becoming an obsession. Today I saw another wonderful thing about Him; Isaiah says, “A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoking flax: shall he not quench.” Can you think of anything more worthless than a bruised reed that people have trampled on?
Jesus will not walk by it, and He will not walk on it. He’ll stop and gently strengthen it in the broken places, and then He’ll straighten It up so It can grow again.
Can you picture anything more useless than a smoldering wick that once burned brightly? But watch how Jesus works; He carefully pours fresh oil into the empty lamp, and then gently blows on the flax until it ignites again.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been a bruised reed and a smoking flax, and when I couldn’t reach up, He reached down and lifted me from hopelessness and despair. He made me strong in the broken places, and fanned the smoldering flax into a flame of love. And He’s done itnfor you, too, hasn’t He?
TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TODAY AND TELL HIM HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM.
From The Best of The Word for Today
It’s Saint Patrick’s day and an armed hooded robber bursts into the Bank of Ireland and forces the tellers to load a sack full of cash. On his way out the door with the loot one brave Irish customer grabs the hood and pulls it off revealing the robber’s face.
The Robber Shoots the Guy Without Hesitation!
He then looks around the bank to see if anyone else has seen him. One of the tellers is looking straight at him and the robber walks over and calmly shoots him also.
Everyone by now is very scared and looking down at the floor.
Did anyone else see my face?’ screams the robber.
There is a few moments of silence then one elderly Irish gent, looking down, tentatively raises his hand and says, ‘I think me wife may have caught a glimpse.’
GRACIOUS WORDS
MARCH 21
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious. (Ecclesiastes 10:12)
Sometimes gifted and busy people can be harsh or unkind without meaning to be. They live by a schedule, and they get upset when others fail to respect it. But not Jesus. He had the most important job in the world, and yet He stopped for children and spent time with them. Sometimes the only people who matter to us are those who further our goals. That’s not ambition; it’s selfishness!
Jesus had many opportunities to ingratiate himself with the rich and powerful, and He did have friends among them. But mostly He gave himself to common folks. He was so secure in His identity and clear in His purpose that He spent time lifting “losers” like Mary Magdalene.
The law of kindness governed His words, and He taught this law to His disciples. Listen: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). When I read those words, my heart cries, “Help! I fall so far short of this goal. “Jesus didn’t berate Peter when he failed-he restored him and made him a leader in the Church. He didn’t degrade Thomas for doubting. He strengthened him.
TODAY, ASK GOD TO HELP YOU STAY COOL UNDER FIRE, AND BE GRACIOUS TO THOSE YOU MEET.
From The Best of The Word for Today
O’Malley was leaving his favourite bar when he was run over by a bus. He gets to the gates of heaven and St. Peter tells him he cannot enter unless he passes a test. What choice did he have, O’Malley agrees to try as he never was the brightest bulb in the box.
St. Peter decides to go easy on him, ‘What has 5 fingers and is made of black leather?’ he asks. O’Malley scratches his head, thinks hard and finally gives up. ‘It’s a glove says St. Peter.’
Let’s try again. ‘What has 10 fingers and is made of black leather?’ asks St. Peter. O’Malley is clearly stumped. After a few minutes of pacing in a circle and scratching his head, O’Malley gives up. ‘Why it’s 2 gloves – don’t you see 10 fingers, black leather, says St. Peter amazed.’ Being in a generous mood, St. Peter decides to give O’Malley yet another chance but thinking of an even easier question.
‘Who is the patron Saint of Ireland?’ asks St. Peter, thinking he can’t miss this.
‘It wouldn’t be 3-gloves, would it?’ says O’Malley.
WHATEVER IT COSTS – IT’S WORTH IT
MARCH 20
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8: 18)
This morning I was reading about Paul’s calling. It’s different from much of what I hear today. Listen: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16). What’s this? Suffer great things for My name? I thought I was signing up to be prospered, not pulverized. Think again! The blessing of God doesn’t exempt you from attack; it equips you to handle it. His grace is what carries you through it. Paul spent all but seven years of his ministry in prison. Where did you get the idea that it’s fun being a Christian? You can have joy in jail, and fellowship in suffering, but if you pose any threat to the devil, then get ready for attack, because it’s coming. The important part is not what’s going on around you; it’s what is going on within you. Listen: “What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later” (Romans 8: 18 TLB).
REJOICE, YOU’RE PART OF AN ARMY DESTINED TO WIN, AND A KINGDOM THAT’S GOING TO PREVAIL.
From The Best of The Word for Today
An Englishman, a Scotsman and an Irishman were without tickets for the opening ceremonies of the summer Olympics but hoped to be able to talk their way in at the gate. Security was very tight, however, and each of their attempts was met with a stern refusal.
While wandering around outside the stadium, the Englishman came upon construction site, which gave him an idea. Grabbing a length of scaffolding, he presented himself at the gate and said, ‘Johnson, the pole vault, ‘and was admitted.
The Scotsman, overhearing this, went at once to search the site. When he came up with a sledge hammer, he presented himself at the gate and said, ‘McTavish, the hammer.’ He was also admitted.
The Irishman combed the site for an hour and was nearly ready to give up when he spotted his ticket in. Seizing a roll of barbed wire, he presented himself at the gate and announced, ‘O’ Sullivan, fencing.’
DON’T COME DOWN
MARCH 19
I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. (Nehemiah 6:3 NAS)
Satan will use anything he can to bring you down! Nehemiah was told to remove the rubbish, rebuild the walls, restore the Temple, and reclaim the people of God-the same assignment that we’ve been given today! His enemy tried threats, diplomacy, and fifth columns, but Nehemiah stood firm and said, “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.” And the word for you today is-don’t come down!
When they ask you to explain what you’re doing, or to defend yourself, don’t come down! When faint hearts say, “Couldn’t we compromise and just get along with them?” Don’t come down/When human wisdom says, “It’s not a good time to move forward; perhaps we should wait,” don’t come down/When doubt and fear say, “The job is too big and God is too small,” don’t come down! Take your sword in one hand and your mortarboard in the other, and whether you have to build or battle, stay up there and keep doing the job God has called you to do.
If you even think of coming down, you send a signal to the enemy that his strategy is working. You step down to the level of your accuser, and the work God gave you to do is put on hold.
STAY UP THERE, AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, THE WALL WILL BE BUILT, THE ENEMY WILL BE BEATEN,
AND GOD WILL BE GLORIFIED.
From the Best of The Word for Today
An Irishman, by the name of O’Malley proposed to his girl on St. Patrick’s Day. He gave her a ring with a synthetic diamond. The excited young lass showed it to her father, a jeweler. He took one look at it and saw it wasn’t real.
The young lass on learning it wasn’t real returned to her future husband. She protested vehemently about his cheapness.
‘It was in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, ‘he smiled.
‘I gave you a sham rock.’
DOING WHAT YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO DO
MARCH 18
When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:
we have done that which was our duty to do. (Luke 17:10)
Has God ever surfaced in you things you never knew were there? It happened to me recently. I got angry and took my frustration out on the wrong person. It usually happens to me for two reasons: I’m afraid that I’m not going to get something I need, or that I’m going to lose something I’ve got. Most of my fears seem to fall into those two categories.
Afterward, I felt rotten. Here I am writing a devotional and telling others they should be loving, patient, and kind, and I act like a spoiled child who doesn’t get his own way. So, I apologized and felt much better. Then a voice said, “That was big of you-you’re really something.” No sooner had I heard it, than another voice said, “You’re still an unprofitable servant. ” Wow-what an ego deflator!
No trumpet fanfare, no parades, no words of praise. Listen to these words again: “When you’ve done everything expected of you, be matter-of-fact and say, ‘The work is done. What we were told to do, we did'” (Luke 17: 10 TM).
THE SONGWRITER PUTS IT INTO PERSPECTIVE WITH THESE WORDS: TAKE UP THY CROSS AND FOLLOW ME, I HEAR MY BLESSED SAVIOR CALL. How CAN I MAKE A LESSER SACRIFICE, WHEN ..JESUS GAVE HIS ALL?
From the Best of Word for Today
O’Driscoll was sinking in a bog, near Killarney in County Kerry, and seemed a goner when Big Dermot McCann wandered by…
‘Help!’ O’Driscoll shouted, ‘Oi’m sinkin’!’
‘Don’t worry,’ assured Dermot. ‘Next to the Strong Muldoon, Oi’m the strongest man in Erin, and Oi’ll pull ye right out o’ there.’
Dermot leaned out and grabbed O’Driscoll’s hand and pulled and pulled to no avail. After two more unsuccessful attempts, Dermot said to O’Driscoll, ‘Shure, an’ Oi can’t do it. The Strong Muldoon could do it alone, mebbe, but Oi’ll have to get some help.’
As Dermot was leaving, O’Driscoll called ‘Dermot, Dermot! D’ye think it will help if Oi pull me feet out of the stirrups?’
SECURE ENOUGH TO TAKE RISKS
March 15
Absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love. (Romans 8:39 TM)
Once you’re secure in God’s love, you can afford to take risks, admit failure, seek help, and try again. When you know you are loved based on who you are, and not on what you’ve done, you have the ultimate self-esteem born of God’s esteem for you.
Once you have that, you can chart your course according to the dream in your heart, and never again be intimidated by the fear of failing. How often did you mess up before you learned to drive? On the field, did you hit a home run the first time you picked up the bat?
Listen, Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 times-almost twice as often as he hit a home run. Yet, he went on to become the greatest home-run hitter in history! R. H. Macy failed seven times before his stores caught on; yet now his name’s a household word.
Failing doesn’t make you a failure from God’s perspective, because in Christ you are always a success. Listen: “Nothing … in the whole world will be able to separate us from the love of God … ” (Romans 8:38 NCV). Think about that-nothing!
Even when you risk and fail, you still succeed. Because (1) your character’s strengthened; (2) you grow in wisdom; (3) you inspire ot hers; and (4) you learn to depend on God’s strength instead of your own.
SO, GO AHEAD-RISK IT! WITH GOD YOU CAN’T LOSE!
Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY.
Have you ever noticed signs in public places?
Dark Room Keep door closed!
If it’s left open all of the dark leaks out.
Beware of the Dog
The Cat is not Trustworthy either.
Do not use microwave and toaster oven at the same time. It will throw earth out of orbit, And we’ll plummet us into the sun.
Thank you.
Sorry, We are Closed Due to Short Staff (A second sign in response) Hire Taller Staff Cause I need a Taco
IT WASN’T THAT HE DIDN’T KNOW, HE JUST DIDN’T CARE
MARCH 14
The Pharisee … said to himself, “If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is. (Luke 7:39TM)
She was a prostitute, and everybody seemed to know it except Jesus. As He ate with some clergymen, she washed His feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. One preacher commented, “If He was a real prophet, He’d know what kind of woman this is.” They had been with Jesus, but they didn’t know Him at all. They had heard His words, but they didn’t know His heart. He knew all about this woman. It wasn’t that He didn’t know-it was that He just didn’t care. How wonderful!
Your past doesn’t matter to Him! Jesus said concerning the Prodigal Son, “When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him .. , and said to his servants … my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry” (Luke 15:20-24).
We all have a past-but the blood if Jesus cleanses us from all sin (see 1 John 1:7). Come just as you are. Once you’ve met Him, you’ll never be the same. Listen to what Jesus said concerning this woman: “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven” (Luke 7:47).
TODAY HE’S SAYING THOSE SAME WORDS TO YOU.
Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY.
Finally the long-staying guest was ready to leave. “Goodnight,” he said “I hope I haven’t kept you too late!”
“The yawning host replied, “Not at all. We need to be getting up soon anyway.”
A proud father was approached by his neighbor. “I heard your son graduated from college. Congratulations!” The neighbor hesitated and said, “Isn’t it awfully expensive to send a boy to college nowadays? Said the father, “It sure is. It cost me thousands of dollars, and all I got was a quarterback.” …
STAYING ON TRACK
March 13, 2019
He’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:6 TM)
I recently had a real off day. A friend asked, “What is God saying to you in all of this? After all, He’s not the author of confusion.” (Don’t you hate it when friends call you to accountability on an off day?) I was miserable because I knew the answer, but I didn’t like it. Now we can shorten the process, but since I’m stubborn, I took the long route. Finally, my wife said, “You’ve completely lost your peace, and you need to do something about it.”
All those great promises came flooding back: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah 26:3). Or how about this one: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Now if I don’t have the peace God promised, it’s not His fault.
Finally, I asked Him to forgive me for my lousy attitude and lack of trust in Him. I’d made others my source, and when they didn’t act the way I wanted them to, I tried to force the issue. Since people can’t make me do what they want, why would I think I could make them do what I want? At last I took all the pieces, threw them at the feet of Jesus, and asked Him to sort them all out. He did! Guess what? I’m back on track again.
IS THERE A MESSAGE IN THIS FOR YOU TODAY?
Taken from THE BEST OF THE WORD FOR TODAY.
Bob is a favorite conductor among commuters on the Long Island Railroad. He has great rapport with the regulars, but occasionally runs into a problem rider.
One passenger, for instance, seemed irritated at having to hand over his ticket to be punched.
“Where are you going today?” Bob asked, smiling.
“Well, what does the ticket say?” replied the traveler sarcastically.
“Um, it says you’re on the wrong train,” Bob informed him.
“What am I supposed to do now?” asked the flustered passenger.
Returning the punched card, Bob replied calmly, “Ask the ticket.”