Tue, Jun 30th - 10:05AM

Administration

The word of the day is:

Administration

Acts 6:3-4

³Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

               The apostils priorities were correct. The ministry of the word should never be neglected because of administrative burdens. Pastors should not try nor be expected to do everything. The work should be doled out to the rest of the church according to their gifting.

Challenge;

               See a need at your church? Where can you help out a lead pastor? All you have to do is ask. In fact the challenge is to ask what you can do for the church. But be careful, because I’ll bet your rewards will be exceptional coming from God.

Mon, Jun 29th - 9:43AM

Complaining

The word of the day is:

Complaining

Numbers 16:41

⁴¹ The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. "You have killed the LORD's people," they said.

               Just one day after Korah and his followers were executed for grumbling and complaining against God, the Israelites started all over with more muttering and complaining. Their negative attitude only caused them to rebel even more and to bring about even greater trouble. It eroded their faith in God and encouraged thoughts of giving up and turning back. The path to open rebellion against God begins with dissatisfaction and skepticism, then moves to grumbling both about God and present circumstances, then bitterness and resentment set it in and after that the final rebellion and open hostility. If you are often dissatisfied, bitter, skeptical, or complaining – beware! All this leads to separation from God, trying to lead your own life without Him.

Challenge;

               No muttering or complaining about anything today. See how hard it really is. Would you rather be on God’s side or on opposite sides from God? Watch the negative so that it doesn’t cause you to fall into the trap.

Sat, Jun 27th - 12:33PM

Spoils

The word of the day is:

Spoils

Joshua 8:2

² You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city."

               Why did God allow the Israelites to keep the plunder and livestock this time? Israel had laws for keeping the spoils of war that were covered in two situations. First, cities like Jericho were under God’s ban. The city was under judgment for idolatry and could not be looted. God’s people needed to be free from any influence of idolatry because God set them aside as holy. Second, dividing the spoils of war from the cities that were not under a ban was a normal part of warfare. It provided the army and nation with the necessary food, flocks and weapons needed to sustain itself during war time. Ai was not under the ban and the conquering army needed the food and equipment, and because the soldiers were not paid, this was their incentive to win the battle or war.

Challenge;

               The spoils or stuff that you own, did it come from a place of idolatry? Do you possess anything that did not come from God honoring practices? Illegally copied CD’s or DVD’s are not God honoring unless your intentions are to buy the real copies if you like it. Buying stolen items is another God banned item. How about illegally hooked up power or cable? In our everyday living in trying to please God by being good stewards with our money, we sometimes take the wrong shortcuts. Try to find the right spoils to which God would honor and bless. Ouch……

Fri, Jun 26th - 9:26AM

Resources

The word of the day is:

Resources

John 6:5-7

 ⁵When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" ⁶He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

 ⁷Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages^a]">[a] would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"

               When Jesus asked Philip where to buy a great amount of bread, Philip could only think about how the cost would be too great. Jesus was actually trying to teach Philip a lesson that financial resources were not the most important resource. We limit what God can do in our lives by assuming what is and is not possible. Do not let your estimate of the cost of doing something for God keep you from doing what he has called you to do. He can do the miracles and can provide if you just trust him to provide you with resources.

Challenge;

   How many times have we backed off of something God wanted us to do because we feel it is impossible? Well it is impossible without God, but anything is possible with God. Is there an impossible task that you believe God wants you to do? Then let Him provide those resources, He will show up.

Thu, Jun 25th - 10:28AM

Lampstand

The word of the day is:

Lampstand

Revelation 2:5

⁵Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

               For Jesus to remove your lampstand would mean that the church would cease to be an effective church because as the seven-branched candlestick in the temple was its source of light for the priests to see, the churches were to give light to the surrounding communities. Jesus did warn them though that their light could go out. In fact Jesus himself would extinguish any light that did not fulfill its purpose. Churches need to repent of their sins.

Challenge;

               Simply make your light shine where Jesus wants you to shine so He doesn’t extinguish it. I know for one thing, I would prefer to live eternity in the light then die in darkness. Seek help to make your lamp shine the way it should.

Wed, Jun 24th - 8:55AM

Morals

The word of the day is:

Morals

Romans 1:25

²⁵They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

               People tend to believe lies that reinforce their own selfish, personal beliefs. Today, more than ever, we need to be careful about the input we allow to form our beliefs. TV, music, movies, news and the rest of the media often present sinful life-styles and unwholesome values, we are often bombarded by attitudes and beliefs the don’t align with the Bible. Be careful by what you allow to influence your beliefs because our morals should come from the only standard of truth; the Bible.

Challenge;

               “Garbage in garbage out,” I believe that has been said before. What do you watch on TV? How about the movies you watch, does it have a great ‘moral to the story?’ What do you read? Is it inspiring, good attitude, morally sound and aligns with the Bible? I know the challenges are normally for “the day,” but how about for the rest of the week, we all pay attention to what we put into our minds. No negative, ethically wrong, sexually explicit media of any kind. Don’t get technical on me; you know the things that are wrong, so cut them out of the picture.

Tue, Jun 23rd - 10:12AM

Discipline

The word of the day is:

Discipline

Deuteronomy 33:20-21

²⁰ About Gad he said:
       "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad's domain!
       Gad lives there like a lion,
       tearing at arm or head.

 ²¹ He chose the best land for himself;
       the leader's portion was kept for him.
       When the heads of the people assembled,
       he carried out the LORD's righteous will,
       and his judgments concerning Israel."

               The people of the tribe of Gad received the best of the new land because they obeyed God by punishing Israel’s wicked enemies. Punishment is unpleasant for both giver and receiver, but it is a necessary part of growth. If you are in a position that sometimes requires you to discipline or correct others, don’t hold back from your task. Understand that realistic honest discipline is important to character. Always strive for both just and merciful correction, keeping in mind what is best in the interest of the person who must receive the discipline.

Challenge;

               It’s been said to me before and comes to me now, “discipline is teaching, not beating, hitting, or yelling.” Sometimes it is necessary, but as God does for us remember to discipline out of love. If you are angry at a child, send them to their room until you calm down. This is a tough one for me. Maybe you need self-discipline. Find someone to hold you accountable. Today focus on disciplining as God would, see what happens when you do it His way versus your own.

Mon, Jun 22nd - 9:54AM

Limitations

The word of the day is:

Limitations

Judges 6:14-16

¹⁴ The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"

 ¹⁵ "But Lord, ^[a] " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."

 ¹⁶ The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."

               God told Gideon, “I will be with you,” and God also promised him the strength needed to overcome his limitations. In spite of this clear promise for strength and victory, Gideon made excuses. He only saw his own limitations and weaknesses and failed to see how God could make this work out.

               Like Gideon, we are called to serve God in specific ways. Although God promises us everything we need to complete the specific tasks he has set aside for us, we still make excuses. When we remind God of our weaknesses and limitations are we not telling God he isn’t big enough to help us out, that he really doesn’t know us? Don’t spend time making excuses; spend it doing what God says he wants you to do.

Challenge;

               Today, whatever you see God doing in your life, quit making excuses for it not to work. Are we not the child and He is the Father? Doesn’t He know what’s best for us? Get over the feeling of weaknesses and limitations in the knowledge that if God says you can, YOU MOST CERTAINLY CAN!

Sat, Jun 20th - 10:08AM

Pleasure

 The word of the day is:

Pleasure

James 4:3-4

³When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

 ⁴You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

   Nothing is wrong with wanting a pleasurable life, and God gives us good gifts he wants us to enjoy. But having friendship with the world involves looking for pleasure at others expense or at the great expense, which is disobeying God. Pleasure keeping us from pleasing God is sinful and bad, while pleasure from God’s abundantly rich bounty is good.

Challenge;

   If you seek anything today that is pleasurable to you, measure it up. Will God be happy with your plans, or will it just make Him unhappy? Will He even be in the picture? Too many times we seek to “have fun” without stopping to think if it will please God. Enjoy today everything God has set aside for you. Learn to accept whatever He gives you and do it graciously.

Fri, Jun 19th - 9:48AM

Structure

The word of the day is:

Structure

1 Chronicles 24:1-5

¹ These were the divisions of the sons of Aaron:
      The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. ² But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as the priests. ³ With the help of Zadok a descendant of Eleazar and Ahimelech a descendant of Ithamar, David separated them into divisions for their appointed order of ministering. ⁴ A larger number of leaders were found among Eleazar's descendants than among Ithamar's, and they were divided accordingly: sixteen heads of families from Eleazar's descendants and eight heads of families from Ithamar's descendants. ⁵ They divided them impartially by drawing lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

 ⁶ The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officials: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar and then one from Ithamar.

(Actually the word of the day is contained in the whole Chapter 24 if you want to read it)

   The temple service was highly structured, but it did not hinder the Spirit of God. It actually provided an orderly context for worship. Sometimes we feel like the planning and structure is unspiritual activities that may hinder the spontaneity of the worship part of the service. But order and structure can actually free us to respond better to God. Order brings glory to God as we experience the joy, freedom, and calm that come when we have wisely prepared in advance.

Challenge;

   Have you ever worked in any part of the worship service ministries at your church? You ever wonder, “Why do I need to do this every time?” Now we know why and need to put it into practice. If any of you take part in worship services at your church, don’t cut corners, complete the tasks that were started probably before you came. If you have any ideas to make it better, then present it to your leaders. Let them take the initiative to help those changes take place or to tell you why it won’t work. Whatever God wants is the key. It’s not how we would have it but what would bring glory to God.

Thu, Jun 18th - 10:15AM

Nature

The word of the day is:

Nature

Psalm 19:3-4

 ³ There is no speech or language
       where their voice is not heard. ^a]">[a]

 ⁴ Their voice ^b]">[b] goes out into all the earth,
       their words to the ends of the world.
       In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

   Paul referred to this Psalm when he explained that everyone knows about God because nature proclaims God’s existence and power. This doesn’t mean to forget about the need for missions because the message of God’s salvation is found in his Word, the Bible. This is something that still needs to be proclaims to the ends of the earth. While nature points to the existence of God, the Bible tells us about the salvation. God’s people must explain to others how to have a relationship with God. Everyone should already know God exists because of creation but God still needs us to explain his, love mercy, and grace.

Challenge;

   What are we going to tell the world? How can we explain the love, mercy, and grace of God to those who cannot see the message through nature? Today, make sure that if you run across these blind people of the world, use God’s love, mercy, and grace to let them know who our creator is. Look what He has done for you life, now what are you willing to do because of that?

Wed, Jun 17th - 10:21AM

Sarcasm

The word of the day is:

Sarcasm

Acts26:28-29

²⁸Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"

 ²⁹Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

   Agrippa responded to Paul’s presentation with sarcasm. Paul didn’t react to this comment but made a personal appeal in hopes that all his listeners would respond. Paul’s response is an excellent example for us as we tell others of God’s plan of salvation. Sincere, personal testimonies and appeals can show the depth of our concern to reach those with hardened hearts.

Challenge;

   Has anyone ever hit you with sarcasm about your beliefs? When someone sees us as a Christ follower, they tend to use sarcasm toward us and our beliefs because they just don’t understand. Look, don’t beat anyone over the head with a Bible, but if they respond with sarcasm over your account of the Good News, show them what salvation brings. Never take any sarcasm or even teasing personally, because that is exactly what Jesus took to the cross. Give it to Him and He will replace it with something better. Hmmm, doesn’t seem quite fair, trading something bad and unwanted with something beyond great.

Tue, Jun 16th - 10:15AM

Census

The word of the day is:

Census

1 Chronicles 21:1

¹ Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.

   David’s census brought disaster upon Israel, because unlike the census taken in the book of Numbers that God had ordered, this was taken so David could take pride in the strength of his army. When he began to trust in the strength of his army, his trust in God started to disappear. There is a thin line between feeling confident because you rely on God or becoming proud because you have been used by God for His great purpose.

Challenge;

   How often do we count our blessings because of the good we have done for God’s kingdom, looking for someone to notice how many blessings we have? We really need to stop and take a look at why He gave us those blessings. Don’t misunderstand and say everything is God’s, even though it is, because you would be robbing someone else the chance to bless you. Just remember when we get recognized for the things we do, privately go alone and give all that praise and blessings back to God. Let Him dole out what you need, not fill up your pride septic tank. Too much of pride in there and it will flow back out and believe me, it stinks!

Mon, Jun 15th - 10:09AM

Choices

The word of the day is;

 Choices

Genesis 2:16-17

¹⁶ And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; ¹⁷ but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

   Why did God put a tree that Adam was forbidden to eat from in the Garden of Eden? God wanted to give Adam the freedom to choose, to obey his commands. Without choices, Adam would have been like a prisoner, his obedience would have been hollow. The two trees provided an exercise in choice, the rewards of choosing to obey and the sad consequences for choosing to disobey. When faced with a choice, always choose to obey God.

Challenge;

   How many choices in our everyday life to we choose to council with God to make sure it is in His will? We have dozens of choices to make every day, and we need to make sure those choices are the right ones. Of all your choices today, make sure that you obey God and not your own selfish desires of the flesh.

Sat, Jun 13th - 1:10PM

Underestimating

The word of the day is:

Underestimating

Nehemiah 2:17-18

¹⁷ Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." ¹⁸ I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me.
      They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work.

   Spiritual renewal often begins with one person’s vision. Nehemiah had a vision, shared it with enthusiasm, inspiring all the leaders of Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. We frequently underestimate people and don’t challenge them with our dreams for God’s work in the world. When God produces a vision in your mind to accomplish something for him, share it with great enthusiasm and trust that the Holy Spirit will impress them with similar thoughts. Don’t think that you are the only one through God is working. God often uses only one person to spark the idea and express the vision that God has planned for us to make into reality. When you inspire others and encourage them to carry out a vision, you actually put into play the teamwork that comes from the body of Christ, to put into action to accomplish God’s goals.

Challenge;

   Well we challenge each other every day huh? I guess what this is speaking to me is never be afraid to challenge others to accomplish a God Goal. Don’t be afraid to walk up to someone and say to them, I bet you’d be good at… We all do a great job of tiptoeing around people we feel won’t step up or step out of their comfort zone. I’m sure that I was one of those people, now through encouragement I do this Daily Word, and it can get pretty pointed in the challenges. I’m sure at one time every one of us was that person that no one would challenge.

Fri, Jun 12th - 10:07AM

Blessings (2)

The word of the day is:

Blessings (2)

James 2:2-4

²Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. ³If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," ⁴have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

   We are prone to hold the rich on a pedestal assuming that they got there by God’s blessings and favor. God doesn’t promise us earthly rewards or riches. In fact, Jesus Christ himself calls us to be ready to suffer for him and give up everything in order to hold on to eternal life. We will have untold riches in eternity with Him if we remain faithful in our present life.

Challenge;

   There are so many blessings that God does for us. Sometimes, because of trials and challenges in our lives, we fail to see all of what God does for us. Today, try to be aware of all the blessings that go on in your life. Do you have a job, roof over your head, family? How many times should something happen to you and because of the blessings of God’s mercy and grace, something else happens?

   I’ve got a story that just happened. Last entry, on the word creation, I expressed my gratitude to all who have been encouraging me throughout my completed year of the Daily Word. Well, because of today’s economy and being a single income family, we felt financial stress caused by a car that needed immediate attention. I called the place we are purchasing this computer from because I needed $70 today or else we would lose this computer I write my daily blog on. They refused to work with me for one week, the 19^th, so I asked if I could turn it in as long as they will hold it for a week. They said it had to be turned in today. I called on my way back home from work to tell them I will get it to them on Friday. The manager answered the phone, which I’ve known from a long time ago, and he said it would be ok. I expressed that the night of the 19^th; I would be there to pay up in full. He said that he knows he can trust me so he said to not worry about it and pay him on the 19^th! God is great, that was a true blessing that I was able to work through that. His hand was definitely there. The point is, look for God’s blessings in EVERYTHING! Thank you GOD!

Thu, Jun 11th - 10:31AM

Creation

The word of the day is:

Creation

Genesis 1:1

¹ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

   Simply stating that God created the heavens and earth does not compute to well with the modern mind. Today’s society doesn’t seem to be able to grasp the concept of us being created by the one and only God. We must remember that God did not need to create the universe in which we live but he chose to create it. He created us and this world to express His love. We shouldn’t try to break it all down to scientific terms when the answer is simple; He loves each of us that much that He would create us and the beauty that is all around us.

Challenge;

   Today simply look out at what God created; the air, the mountains, the seas, the fields, the deserts, the people, the animals, whatever you see when you first walk out your door. Look at all that God created for us to interact with and thank Him for it and enjoy whatever it is you see or He reveals to you. Simply put like the first statement in the Bible, just enjoy what God has created.

Wed, Jun 10th - 8:49AM

Fatigue

The word of the day is:

Fatigue

1 Kings 19:3-9a

³ Elijah was afraid ^[a] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, ⁴ while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." ⁵ Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
      All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." ⁶ He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

 ⁷ The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." ⁸ So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. ⁹ There he went into a cave and spent the night.

   Elijah experienced the depths of fatigue and discouragement just after his two great spiritual victories. One was the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the other being the answered prayer for rain. Often we find ourselves full of fatigue and discouragement after big spiritual happenings in our lives. But God first let Elijah rest and eat then he confronted him about continuing on his mission, to continue speaking God’s words to Israel. His work was not done and he needed to continue God’s work. When it feels like you cannot persevere after such a great spiritual experience, remember God still has a purpose for your life and he is still with you and will help if you call on him.

Challenge;

   Ever feel the fatigue or discouragement after some great spiritual moment in your life? Remember what God’s plan is in your life. What about what Jesus had to endure for a bunch of sinners like us? Why can’t we show God the same consideration? Makes my fatigue and discouragement smaller just thinking about it, how about you?

Tue, Jun 9th - 10:21AM

Indifference

The word of the day is:

Indifference

Hebrews 2:3

³how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

   The actual eyewitnesses to Jesus ministry had handed down his teachings to the readers of this book. The readers happened to be second generation believers that never got to see Jesus in the flesh. They were just like us now, never seeing Jesus so had to go by faith on something we never eye witnessed. Our beliefs in Jesus, today and in the time of this book, were and are based on what we learn reading the Bible. Jesus’, in John 20:29, encourages those who believe without ever having seen him.

Challenge;

   Take your indifference in your belief and put it on a piece of paper. Next, tear it out of the piece of paper, crumple it up, and throw it in the garbage. Either you believe in Jesus or you don’t. If you still are not sure, find a trusted advisor to help you to come to a conclusion. Just talking with God everyday doesn’t get it, get involved in a church. You can’t fly to the moon on the space shuttle if you’re still back on the launching pad!

Mon, Jun 8th - 10:06AM

Plans

The word of the day is:

Plans

Genesis 43:1

¹ Now the famine was still severe in the land.

   Jacob and his sons felt no relief from the famine and could not see God’s overall plan to send them to Egypt to be reunited with Joseph and be well taken care of by the Egyptians. If you are praying for relief from suffering or pressure and God doesn’t seem to show up when you want, or as quickly as you want, remember that God may have a special plan for you. Don’t count your blessings short right away.

Challenge;

   God has a plan for each and every one of us and we need to understand that He will show up, just on His time not ours. We need to thank God for His plan for our lives both now and in advance for what He will bring us. What He will bring us is in accordance to what choices we will make using the free will He has bestowed us. Make sure that you remember He has a plan and it’s up to our choices on how we receive them or even if we see them.

Sat, Jun 6th - 12:12PM

Pain 2

The word of the day is:

Pain (2)

1 Samuel 5:6-7

⁶ The LORD's hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation upon them and afflicted them with tumors. ^a]">[a] ⁷ When the men of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, "The ark of the god of Israel must not stay here with us, because his hand is heavy upon us and upon Dagon our god."

   Although the Philistines had just witnessed a great defeat of their god Dagon by the Israelite’s God, they didn’t act upon what had happened until they were afflicted by tumors. Today people are the same and do not respond to Biblical truths until they experience pain. Are you willing to turn to God for truth’s sake or are you waiting until you feel the pain.

Challenge;

   Do you like pain? Why not realize that we can obey the truths of the Bible without having to experience the pain. If we just keep our eye on the quarterback, our Lord, He will direct and guide us with as minimal pain as possible. We just need to learn not to fight it.

Fri, Jun 5th - 9:35AM

The word of the day is:

Cornerstone

Matthew 21:42

⁴²Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
   " 'The stone the builders rejected
      has become the capstone^a]">[a];
   the Lord has done this,
      and it is marvelous in our eyes'^b]">[b]?

   Jesus is referring himself as the “stone the builders rejected.” He was rejected by many including his own people. Even through all that He will become the capstone, or cornerstone of His new building, the church.

Challenge;

   Why not build your life and your family’s live on the cornerstone or unshakable foundation. Believe this to be true and nothing will become between you and God. Is your home, work, or play life built on that cornerstone so that you will not sink into the pits? Are you just a little bit shaky and believe that’s ok? Readjust so you are firmly built upon that rock of salvation where everyone is invited to be.

Thu, Jun 4th - 10:18AM

Spices

The word of the day is:

Spices

Psalm 45:8-9

⁸ All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
       from palaces adorned with ivory
       the music of the strings makes you glad.

 ⁹ Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
       at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

   Myrrh is a fragrant gum of an Arabian tree that is usually found in perfumes. Aloes, a spice, may have come from sandalwood, a wood normally used for storage boxes or chests. Cassia was probably made from flowers of the cinnamon tree. All these expensive fragrances were appropriate for a king’s wedding. The location of Ophir is unknown but thought to be in Arabia or Africa. It was famous as a source of gold.

Challenge;

   Yes there is a challenge. All these spices were the best of their time. What do you give to God in all areas of your life, is it your best? Today, commit to give your best to God and all areas of your life. Raise the bar on self expectations and ask God to fill the gap between what your best is and what His will is. Keep on keeping on.

Tue, Jun 2nd - 10:31AM

Obsession

The word of the day is:

Obsession

1 Samuel 13:3-4

³ Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Then Saul had the trumpet blown throughout the land and said, "Let the Hebrews hear!" ⁴ So all Israel heard the news: "Saul has attacked the Philistine outpost, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines." And the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal.

   Saul took the credit for the attack on the Philistine outpost, even though it was Jonathan who attacked and destroyed it. Although it was normal in that culture it still did not make it right. Saul’s pride was growing and started out small by taking the credit for the battle one by his son. He didn’t pay attention to this growing pride and it turned into an ugly obsession. This eventually destroyed him, tore his family apart, and threatened to shake the foundation of a nation, bringing it to its knees. When taking credit for the accomplishments of others, we see that pride is controlling your life. When you notice this pride taking foothold, immediately give the credit to the ones who deserve it.

Challenge;

   Take a personal inventory of your life and look to the areas where pride may be trying to take over. If you find that area, turn it over to the one who can help. God will take all that pride and obsession that may be trying to destroy your life and also ask for his help to restore the credit where the credit is due. Obsession is an enemy to the relationship between you and God and should not be allowed to happen. Take control of the pride in your life and don’t ever let it be stronger than you, because it’s not and with God’s help can be destroyed.

Mon, Jun 1st - 9:45AM

Communion

The word of the day is:

Communion 

1 Corinthians 11:27-34

²⁷Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. ²⁹For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. ³⁰That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. ³¹But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. ³²When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

 ³³So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. ³⁴If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
      And when I come I will give further directions.

   When Paul spoke of people taking communion in an unworthy manner, he was speaking of those who just rush in doing it without thinking of its meaning or its significance. Those who did this were “guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” Instead of honoring the sacrifice Christ went through for us, they shared in the guilt of those who crucified Him. The reality on this subject is no one is worthy to take the Lord’s Supper. We are all sinners saved by grace, this grace that God supplied us, because He loves us that much. This is why it is imperative that we prepare ourselves through healthy introspection, confession of sin, and resolution of differences with others. These actions remove the barriers affecting our relationship with Jesus and with other believers. Awareness of sin should not push you away from communion but give you a reason to strive to be right with God so you can partake in it, give you that extra drive to press on.

Challenge;

   Commit yourself today, and for the rest of your life, to be right with God. So that when the opportunity arrives, you are not just followers of the crowd, but followers of Christ himself! Don’t let this scare you away from communion but let it be that incentive to live by God’s will and not your own.