The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11
Bitterness is a form of self-punishment; forgiveness is a means of self-liberation. Bitterness focuses on the injustices on the past; forgiveness focuses on the blessings of the present and the opportunities of the future. Bitterness is an emotion that hurts you; forgiveness is a descision that empowers you. Bitterness is foolishness; forgiveness is wisdom.
When we make God's priorities our priorities, He will lead us according to His plan and according to His commandments. When we study God's Word, we are reminded that God's reality is the ultimate reality. May we live - and forgive - accordingly.
"If Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the Cross, and if God forgives you and me, how can you withhold your forgiveness from someone else?" -- Anne Graham Lotz
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
God is Faithful
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalms 16:8
God is faithful. He keeps his promises to us even when we stray far from His will. He continues to love us even when we disobey His commandments. But God does not force his Blessings upon us. If we are to experience His love and His grace, we must claim them for ourselves.
Are you discouraged or fearful? Be comforted: God is with you. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father. Are you angry? Talk with God and seek His guidance. Are you celebrating a great victory? Thank God and praise Him. He is the Giver of all things good.
In whatever condition you find yourself, wherever you are, whether you are happy or sad, victorious or vanquished, troubled or triumphant, remember that God is faithful and that His love is eternal. And be comforted. God is not just near. He is here.
"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need." -- C.H. Spurgeon
God is faithful. He keeps his promises to us even when we stray far from His will. He continues to love us even when we disobey His commandments. But God does not force his Blessings upon us. If we are to experience His love and His grace, we must claim them for ourselves.
Are you discouraged or fearful? Be comforted: God is with you. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father. Are you angry? Talk with God and seek His guidance. Are you celebrating a great victory? Thank God and praise Him. He is the Giver of all things good.
In whatever condition you find yourself, wherever you are, whether you are happy or sad, victorious or vanquished, troubled or triumphant, remember that God is faithful and that His love is eternal. And be comforted. God is not just near. He is here.
"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need." -- C.H. Spurgeon
I'm Back!
My new computer is set up and functioning nicely, and things have calmed down to where I can now keep the blog running again.
Devotionals will run every day. Be sure to stop by often!
Devotionals will run every day. Be sure to stop by often!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Update
Your editor stays frightfully busy, so bear with her when the devotionals slow down sometimes. They will be back starting tomorrow morning.
Check our upcoming events!
Check our upcoming events!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Blessed Generosity
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 11:25
Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." That means that we should be generous with other people - but sometimes we don't feel much like sharing. Instead of sharing the things that we have, we want to keep them all to ourselves. That's when we must remember that God doesn't want selfishness to rule our hearts; He wants us to be generous.
Are you lucky enough to have nice things? If so, God's instructions are clear: you must share your blessings with others. And that's exactly the way it should be. After all, think how generous God has been with you.
"If you want to be truly happy, you won't find it on a endles quest for more stuff. You'll find it in receiving God's generosity and then passing that generosity along." -- Bill Hybels
Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." That means that we should be generous with other people - but sometimes we don't feel much like sharing. Instead of sharing the things that we have, we want to keep them all to ourselves. That's when we must remember that God doesn't want selfishness to rule our hearts; He wants us to be generous.
Are you lucky enough to have nice things? If so, God's instructions are clear: you must share your blessings with others. And that's exactly the way it should be. After all, think how generous God has been with you.
"If you want to be truly happy, you won't find it on a endles quest for more stuff. You'll find it in receiving God's generosity and then passing that generosity along." -- Bill Hybels
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sharing Your Stuff
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 2 Corinthians 9:8&9
Are you one of those people who is lucky enough to have a closet filled up with stuff? If so, it's probably time to share some of it.
When it's time to clean up your closet and give some things away, don't be upset. Instead of complaining, think about all the people who could enjoy the things that you don't use very much. And while you're at it, think about what Jesus might tell you to do if He were here. Jesus would tell you to share generously and cheerfully. And that's exactly what you should do!
"The more we stuff ourselves with material pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life." -- Barbara Johnson
Are you one of those people who is lucky enough to have a closet filled up with stuff? If so, it's probably time to share some of it.
When it's time to clean up your closet and give some things away, don't be upset. Instead of complaining, think about all the people who could enjoy the things that you don't use very much. And while you're at it, think about what Jesus might tell you to do if He were here. Jesus would tell you to share generously and cheerfully. And that's exactly what you should do!
"The more we stuff ourselves with material pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life." -- Barbara Johnson
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Joyful Life
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4
C.S. Lewis once said, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." And he was right! God seriously wants you to be a seriously joyful person.
One way that you can have a more joyful life is by learning how to become a more obedient person. When you do, you'll stay out of trouble, and you'll have lots more time for fun.
So here's a way to be a more joyful, happy person: do the right thing! It's the best way to live.
"Joy comes not from what we have but from what we are." -- C. H. Spurgeon.
C.S. Lewis once said, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." And he was right! God seriously wants you to be a seriously joyful person.
One way that you can have a more joyful life is by learning how to become a more obedient person. When you do, you'll stay out of trouble, and you'll have lots more time for fun.
So here's a way to be a more joyful, happy person: do the right thing! It's the best way to live.
"Joy comes not from what we have but from what we are." -- C. H. Spurgeon.
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