AUGUST 2009

CHANGES IN LIFE

When was the last time you thought about changes in your life? Some changes are routine and minor where others are major changes. We all have changes in our lives. Where does God fit in with the changes in your life? When we have routine changes we probably just go through the motions of the change and don’t give it a lot of thought. But what about major changes in our lives?

Some major changes in ones life might include buying a different car, moving to a different house, deciding which college or job skill school to attend, graduating from high school or college or a job skill school, getting married, death of a family member or close friend, losing a job or getting a new job, which church to attend, retiring after many years of work, etc..

When we have a major change in our life, we should consider seeking counsel from God. Every major change that will occur in our life is no mystery to God. He knows the beginning from the end. He also desires us to ask for direction even in the routine and minor changes in our life. Many major changes bring us to the brink of fear about what is next. Of course God does not want us to fear changes in life but fear Him. Fearing God is an expression of reverential trust in God that makes us want to please and obey Him.

The following life verses for August 2009 will help us not fear and make the right decision when confronted by change in our life, whether minor or major.

AUGUST 2009 LIFE VERSES

Psalms 27:1 - The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

Psalms 33:18 - Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness,

Psalms 86:11-12 - Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever.

Psalms 103:11 - For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

Proverbs 10:27 - The fear of the LORD prolongs life

1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

Psalms 37:23 - The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

Proverbs 16:9 - The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Psalms 25:4 - Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.

JULY 2009

WHOM DO YOU SERVE?
Everyone does in some way serve someone. So, whom do you serve? One might respond with practical service applications like: your boss at work, family members, someone in your church, a charity, political organization, business enterprise, etc.. So what is your practical service application?

The 2009 July life verses present a different aspect of service. Everyone who has received Jesus into their life as Savior are by spiritual default an ambassador for Jesus Christ. An ambassador is someone who represents a higher authority and therefore their messenger. 2 Corinthians 5:20 simply states, “we are ambassadors for Christ”. Therefore we are Christ’s ambassadors and are to carry the message of the love of God as demonstrated by Jesus Christ sacrifice for sin, the Gospel, (Death, Burial and Resurrection) and reconciling the world through the power of the Gospel.

The spiritual conflict of being an ambassador for Christ comes when we decide to serve ourselves and not Jesus. We make the spiritual choice everyday of whom we will serve. Jesus was the example of service we need to follow. God does not ask us to give our physical life via death, but in the spiritual sense to give our life to Him through service. We are to love other brothers and sisters in Christ by serving them when the occasion of service presents itself.

God gives each of us opportunities of service each day. It may be a physical act of service or showing kindness to those around us (both believers and un-believers) with an uplifting word of encouragement. Be alert and look for the special times when God wants you to be His ambassador each day.

I encourage each of you to memorize 2 Corinthians 5:20 and be prepared to carry the message of reconciliation to those around you everyday.
Mr. G.

JULY LIFE VERSES
2 Corinthians 5:20 - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Joshua 24:24 - The people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and we will obey His voice."

Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Matthew 20:28 - Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Romans 14:17-18 - For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this {way} serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brethren; only {do} not {turn} your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

JUNE 2009

HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOU?

Have you ever looked in the mirror at your face and asked, “How important am I?” Look beyond the facial features you see, color of eyes, hair, shape of the face, etc.. Your self image of how you think about yourself is very important. Do you have a low, medium, or high self esteem?

Wherever you fit on the esteem scale (low, medium or high) will always have a direct effect on what you do and how you act. It influences what friends you have, what music you listen too, what books, magazines you read, what movies you watch, what things you desire in life, what internet sites you visit, what food you eat, and what items you buy to satisfy your level of esteem.

When you add in spiritual esteem of where we are today in our relationship with the Lord Jesus, it will always help us understand what life influences are important from God’s Word point of view.

Do you want to have the self esteem that God has for you? The June 2009 life verses can help you begin the journey to have self esteem that God has for you. I strongly encourage each of you to memorize the life verses for this month. As you memorize and think about these verses, the Holy Spirit will absolutely bring a change in your self esteem.

Mr. G.

JUNE 2009 LIFE VERSES

Philippians 2:1-5

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not {merely} look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

James 1:23-24

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for {once} he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

MAY 2009

MAY 2009 LIFE VERSES

The May 2009 verses provide direction about spiritual vision. Everyday we look with our physical eyes, which in turn bring a response via our thoughts, emotions, and sometimes physical action. But what about our spiritual eyes and where are they focused. Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17. and Psalms 119:37-38 provide direction for our spiritual vision.

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and {also} its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever."

Psalms 119:37-38 “Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You."

WHERE IS YOUR HOPE?
Hope is defined as: To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment. To look forward to with confidence or expectation; To expect and desire; The theological virtue defined as the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help. (American Heritage Dictionary, 1994 Softkey International)

Proverbs 13:12 states, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Many verses in Psalms and Proverbs let us know that our hope is in the Lord. Hope is a day by day activity. So, where is your hope?

Titus 2:13 tells us to look for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ next appearing will be the rapture of the church. Our hope each day should be to look for Jesus return. We are not told in scripture when the return will be, therefore our expectation of Jesus return should be daily. Yes, we still need to fulfill our daily responsibilities that God has for us, but the hope each day should be, will Jesus return today.

Mr. G.

APRIL 2009 LIFE VERSES

The Life Verses for April help us focus on information and promises from God’s Word which the Holy Spirit can and will use to help us to continue to “walk in the Light” each day. I encourage each of you to memorize these verses in April. If you choose not to memorize the verses, then read each of the verses everyday. You will be amazed how the Holy Spirit will assist you in remembering the verses.

Mr. G.

Proverbs 3:5-7 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Romans 8:16 “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,”

1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals.”

1 John 3:4 “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”

1 John 4:4 “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”

HOW OFTEN DO YOU READ THE BIBLE?

One Bible reading project is to read one Proverb a day. If there are 31 days in the month, then you will have read the entire book of Proverbs in that month. If you do the Proverbs reading project, then I suggest you do, “One Thing I Remember”. The, “One Thing I Remember” is to just write down only one thing from each Proverb chapter that catches your eye and touches your mind and heart. I just finished the Proverbs project for March and my, “One Thing I Remember” comments are listed below.
Mr. G.

PROVERBS: ONE THING I REMEMBER
1:7a The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge

2:7b {He is} a shield to those who walk in integrity,

3:3a Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

4:25 Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.

5:1 give attention to my wisdom, Incline your ear to my understanding;

6:10-11 "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest"—
Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your need like an armed man.

7:1 keep my words And treasure my commandments within you.

8:17 I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.

9:9b Teach a righteous man and he will increase {his} learning.

10:7 The memory of the righteous is blessed

11:19 He who is steadfast in righteousness {will attain} to life,

12:17 He who speaks truth tells what is right

13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

14:30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, But passion is rottenness to the bones.

15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face,

16:18 Pride {goes} before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

17:27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.

19:11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

20:27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.

21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

22:17-18 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips.

23:12 Apply your heart to discipline And your ears to words of knowledge.

24:14 Know {that} wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find {it,} then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off.

25:27 It is not good to eat much honey, Nor is it glory to search out one's own glory.

26:17 {Like} one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by {and} meddles with strife not belonging to him.

27:19 As in water face {reflects} face, So the heart of man {reflects} man.

28:25 An arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

29:23 A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

30:33 For the churning of milk produces butter, And pressing the nose brings forth blood; So the churning of anger produces strife.

31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, {But} a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

LIFE VERSES FOR MARCH 2009

The life verses for March 2009 let us know:
1. The process to do right in God’s sight. (Psalms 119:9,11)
2. Our spiritual state without Jesus. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
3. The potential for a righteous walk. (1 John 1:7)
4. The eternal state for those who have received Jesus as Savior. (1 John 5:11-13)

If you have not begun memorizing the life verses posted, I would encourage you to start now. Proverbs 23:7a states, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Our thoughts betray who we are because our thoughts turn to actions (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) and what people see, and hear is a reflection of our thoughts. Hence, a motivation to memorize scripture.
Mr. G.

Psalms 119:9, 11 – How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.

1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 5:11-13 - And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

LIFE VERSES FOR FEBRUARY 2009

LIFE VERSES: What are they? Life verses are specific areas from the Bible that relate to a specific spiritual need in one’s life. Life verses should be memorized so when a spiritual attack occurs, the verse(s) can be recited in one’s mind.
Mr. G.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalms 37:4-6 - Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday.

Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

SIN CAN BE SUCH A BURDEN

Is sin a burden in your life and what are you doing about your sin burden? All of us sin even though we might not want to sin. So how can we start on a path to not sin as much as we do.

The beginning is to admit you are a sinner and need someone to help you with the sin problem. Jesus died for the sin of the world on the cross of Calvary (including your sin problem). To benefit from Jesus dying on the cross for your sin, you must ask Jesus to come into your life as Savior.

If you have received Jesus into your life, then you are ready to begin a path to not sin as much and lessen your sin burden. You need to read from the Bible (hopefully each day) specific verses that relate to your specific sin problem. The next step is to memorize those specific verses. God will help you to lessen your sin burden.
Mr. G.

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Psalms 119:9-11

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE BIBLE?

Many people today reject the Bible for various reasons. The main reason for most is because they have never read the Bible. So, does the Bible have insights to our inner being?
Mr. G.

For the word of God (The Bible) is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him (God) with whom we have to do.
Hebrews 4:12-13

DO YOU FEAR GOD?

What is the God Fear Factor in your Life? Do you know that God knows everything and wants your respect. So how do I get God's respect?
Mr. G.

1 Peter 5:5-7 - You younger men, likewise, be subject to {your} elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you

Eternity Is Just Over The Horizon

When you look at a sunrise or sunset, do you ever wonder what is beyond the sunrise or sunset horizon? Only one person really knows. God!
Mr. G.

For by Him (Jesus Christ) all things were created, {both} in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17