Posts (page 3)
Mark 12:41-44
v41 Then Jesus went over to the collection boxes in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Some who were rich put in large amounts. v42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. v43,44 He called his disciples to him and remarked, "That poor widow has given more than all those rich men put together! For they gave a little of their extra fat, while she gave up her last penny".
Jesus tranquil attitude toward money and possessions was based on trusting His Father to supply each day's needs.
Matthew 6:14
"If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you".
Genesis 42-45
Story of Joseph's forgiveness to his brothers, who had bullied him cooked up schemes to murder him and sold him into slavery.
As believers in Christ who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:22), our desire should be to please Him. May we not grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30) by ignoring His gentle promptings. When we obey Him, we might be used by God to lead someone to Christ, to disciple new believers—or even to help save somebody's life. Make the right choice: Obey the Spirit's voice.
That the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Our best may not always measure up to the standards of others. But God takes our inadequacies and humble efforts and uses them for His glory.
Read Proverbs 3:1-12
God gives us spiritual discipline. God waste no time on worthless objects that give no promise of fruitfulness. So be happy He takes the time to help you grow in Him.
It’s easy to slide down the slippery path of unethical behavior simply because it seems advantageous. “Teach me your statutes” (Psalm 119:124).”Give me understanding” “that I may know Your testimonies” (v. 125). Hate “every false way” and base your life on the principle that “all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right” (v. 128). No one is born with godly character. But by studying God’s Word and listening to His Holy Spirit we can learn to hate falsehood and love integrity.
Read Proverbs 2:1-9
Obedience to God nurtures a growing love-and-trust relationship with Him. What's most important is that we see each decision as an opportunity to draw closer to Him. The closer we walk with God, the clearer we see His guidance.
Do a checkup to be sure you're following God's priorities.
Are you giving to Him and to others? (1 Cor. 16:2). Taking care of family needs? (1 Tim. 5:8). Not letting money control you? (Luke 16:13).
Research the topic. Consider all the options and the pros and cons of each one.
Ask God for wisdom. Pray, pray, and pray some more. He will direct you (Prov. 2:6). Trust God and make the decision. Use the knowledge and wisdom you've gained, and commit your decision to Him.
Read: Proverbs 16:1-9
We carefully make schedules so we can be where we think we should be. But we always need to keep in mind the words of Solomon, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Prov. 16:9).
Do we seek ministry in life's unplanned schedule changes? Do we turn detours into guided tours of what He wants to do through us? If we're doing God's will, we'll be in the right place. Then, wherever we are, we can point people to Him. Unexpected changes are opportunities in disguise.
Jesus calls believers to be “salt” and to “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). With Jesus in the driver’s seat of our lives, we can show off the love and glory of God.