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Your heart will be where your treasure is. Matthew 6:21 NCV
Three men were discussing how they gave money to God. One said he drew a line on the ground and threw his money in the air. Anything that fell on the far side, he gave to God. A second said he drew a circle, tossed his money up, and the money that fell outside the circle he gave to God. The third man said that he threw his money in the air. That which God wanted, God would catch, and the man would take what fell to the ground.
Are you up in the air when it comes to giving to God? The Bible teaches that we are to be wise managers of what God provides. Instead of just tossing money around, invest your trust in the Lord; there is no greater depository for the treasures of your heart.
POWER POINT: Surely the higher ambition is entering into the deeper possession of what we already have rather than going out to acquire something new. —R. Bolles
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Psalm 1-12
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By Your judgements your servant is warned. Keeping them brings great reward. Psalm 19:11 NCV
John was an employee at a famous hotel on Miami Beach. He loved to walk bare foot in the sand during breaks. Hotel rules required employees to wear shoes at all time. John thought the rule was stupid and unnecessarily restrictive. He continued to take off his shoes. One day, while walking in from the beach, he stepped on some deep shag carpet. Immediately he howled in pain. A stickpin was hidden in the deep shag pile. In the hospital emergency room, John painfully realized the rule was for protection, not restriction.
Do you see God as an eternal killjoy? Do you feel His laws were written to make life miserable? God’s commandments were written to free you from unnecessary pain and misery. Follow God’s way and keep your shoes on.
POWER POINT: There are two pains in life; the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. One lasts a moment, the other a lifetime.
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Psalm 13-18
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Since you are precious in my sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. Isaiah 43:4 NASB
Judge Bob Thomas, former place kicker for the Chicago Bears, was in a sports memorabilia store with his two young sons. As avid collectors of sports cards, they were looking for some bargains. Bob noticed his own card was displayed, priced at only fifty cents. Proud of the fact that his card was displayed, he pointed it out to his kids. “No way,” one exclaimed. “They’re asking fifty cents for you, and you are only worth a quarter at the most!”
Feel devalued lately? A personal rejection or failure can dent your self-esteem. Keep in mind your real significance comes from God’s love for you. He would trade the world for you, but He went one step further. He gave His son. You are worth a great deal in His eyes.
POWER POINT: You are the apple of God’s eye.
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Psalm 19-24
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I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship. Romans 12:1 NCV
Calvin was having coffee with his friend, a policeman. He noticed a can of mace on his belt. “How does it work?” he asked the officer. “You take off the cap and spray it into someone’s face.” “Does it knock them out?” he asked. “No, they are conscious, but inert. Do you understand conscious and inert?” asked the officer. “I sure do. I’ve been a pastor for 20 years. In the church, 80% of the people watch while 20% of the people do the work.”
Don’t hold your gifts back from God. He saved you to be conscious, not inert. Be involved in the work of the Lord. Don’t be a pew potato!
POWER POINT: God’s house is a hive for workers, not a nest for drones.
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Psalm 25-30
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Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body. 1Corinthians 12:27 NASB
One morning, in my childhood, a foot of snow blanketed my backyard. I saw my friend, Bill, outside. He yelled, “School is closed today, and the snow is good packing.” Full of excitement, I got dressed for a day of snow forts, snowmen, and snowball fights. Dry snow was good for sledding. You could really do something with wet, good packing snow.
Are you ‘good packing?’ Are you willing to stick together with other Christians? Don’t stay away from church or fellowship with other Christians. Glorify God with a body of believers. Get involved in your church. God can really do something with you when you are good packing.
POWER POINT: I am more than I am, but less than we are.
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Psalm 31-35
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Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:4 NCV
A pastor delivered a sermon titled, God’s Ownership. It put the nose of a wealthy church member out-of-joint. The man invited the minister for lunch at his palatial estate. After a sumptuous meal, they walked through the elaborate gardens, woodlands, and farm. “Now, are you going to tell me that all this land does not belong to me?” asked the host. The pastor smiled and suggested, “Ask me that same question a hundred years from now.” (Bennett Cerf)
Would you like to be rich? Give God control of all you have. True riches are what God has stored up for His children in heaven. His riches can’t be touched by thieves, inflation, or a stock market collapse. Let the Lord direct your use of wealth. One hundred years from now, you’ll be living on streets of gold.
POWER POINT: Wealth is either a windo...[more details]
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Psalm 31-35
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Happy is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gets understanding. Wisdom is worth more than silver; it brings more profit than gold. Proverbs 3:13-14 NCV
In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed was fishing near his North Carolina. He stumbled over a shiny, 17 pound rock, and took it home as a souvenir. It years, it was a door stop and conversation piece. A visiting relative, who was a jeweler, saw the stone and said it was solid gold. Within a few years, thousands of miners came to North Carolina, known then as the “Golden State.” During this gold rush, the expression was coined, ‘there’s gold in them thar’ hills.’
Is your Bible gold in your hands? God’s Word provides wisdom to those who seek it. Christians often fail to dig out the true riches of wisdom because it takes prayer, meditation, and study to find it. Don’t neglect the true riches of the Word. There’s gold in them thar’ pages!
POWER POINT: Knowledge of the Bible without a college education is more valuable th...[more details]
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Psalm 36-41
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If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 NIV
Clarence Jordon, an author and founder of the inter-racial Koinonia Farm in Americus, Georgia, was visiting a fellow preacher in a rich, uptown church. The minister was giving him a tour with obvious pride and pointed out the imported wooden pews and luxurious decor. As they stepped outside, Jordon noticed a spotlight on the huge cross atop the steeple. “That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars,” said the pastor with a satisfied smile. “Well, you got cheated,” replied Jordon. “Most Christians get them for free.
Have you had a dose of the cross today? Jesus made it clear that following Him would require daily suffering and sacrifice. Obeying the Lord will cost you your life in daily installments. Obedience is costly, but at least the cross is free.
POWER POINT: It’s the crushed grape that yields the wine.
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Psalm 42-49
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Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. Matthew 22:21 NIV
A beggar on the roadside asked for alms from Alexander the Great as he passed by. The poor, wretched man had no claim to him, and no right to even lift a solicitous hand. Still, the Emperor threw him several gold coins. A courtier was astonished by his generosity and commented, “Sir, copper coins would adequately meet a beggar’s need. Why give him gold?” Alexander responded, “Copper coins would suit the beggar’s need, but gold coins suit Alexander’s giving.”
What coin do you give to God? Is your giving determined by need or by the Lord's worthiness? Copper may satisfy the need of the moment, but the Lord is worth more. Try the gold standard.
POWER POINT: I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. —C.S. Lewis
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Psalm 50-54
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The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength. The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise. Psalm 19:7 NCV
One of the greatest American minds was that of biochemist, George Washington Carver. He discovered hundreds of uses for peanuts, pecans, and yams, which in turn, revolutionized the economy of the south. Carver was a committed Christian who gave God the glory for his discoveries. A senator on a government committee asked him how he learned what he knew. “From the Bible,” Carver said. “Does the Bible tell us about peanuts?” asked the Senator. “No, sir, but it tells us about the God who made the peanut. I asked Him to show me what to do with the peanut, and He did.”
Do you know the God who made the peanut, the pecan and the yam? He wants to know you in a personal way. In fact, just as He designed the intricate inner workings of the peanut, He designed you to have a relationship with Him…eternally! Get to know Him now, before you...[more details]
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Psalm 55-59
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Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.. Proverbs 4:23 NCV
Several years ago, Attorney General John Ashcroft won a landslide second term as Governor of Missouri. He created quite a stir when he declared alcohol would not be served at the victory party in the Governor’s Mansion. When asked if the decision was difficult, Ashcroft replied, “I am not making a decision, I am managing one I already had made. I actually made that decision years ago when I decided I would never have alcohol served in my home. My choice is a consequence of my previous convictions. I find making decisions harder than managing them.”
Do you find yourself waffling on decisions? Indecision can be a sign of ill-defined convictions. Strong convictions based on the Word of God are not easily compromised and will act as a powerful rudder to steer your life during difficult times. Prayerfully stick to your guns in the heat of battle.
POWER POINT: Men and rivers get crooked when...[more details]
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Psalm 60-66
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Jesus came to Nazareth where He was brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. Luke 4:16 NASB
On Sunday morning, Marge gently nudged her husband to wake him for church. “I don’t want to go to church,” he protested. “Give me two good reasons why you shouldn’t go,” Marge replied. “I don’t like the people in the church, and I don’t think they like me very much,” he whined. “Let me give you two reasons why you should go,” stated Marge. “The Bible says you should go, and you are the pastor!”
Are you finding reasons to not attend church? Summer weather and vacation time provide lots of excuses for not being faithful to worship. Don’t cave in to temptation. Church attendance is important. Jesus made public worship a priority. Make it a habit to be in church every Sunday this summer. You’ll be in good company.
POWER POINT: When faithfulness is most difficult, it is most rewarding.
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Psalm 67-72
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"Enter through the narrow gate. The gate is wide and the road is wide that leads to hell, and many people enter through that gate.” Matthew 7:13 KCV
Processionary caterpillars are fascinating insects. The larvae have a peculiar habit of following each other blindly, no matter how they are lined up or where they are going. One scientist lined them up single file on a round dish. He put their favorite food, pine needles, in the dish. The insects followed each other along the rim for six days before dying from starvation and exhaustion. Not one of them broke rank, even though an abundance of food was two inches away.
Do you feel you’ve been going around in spiritual circles? Are your friends holding you back? The people you spend time with have a powerful influence on the direction of your life. Don’t let negative peer pressure keep you stagnant. Find friends who will challenge and motivate you to do your best in following the Lord.
POWER POINT: Lie down with dogs and y...[more details]
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Psalm 67-72
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As newborn babies want milk, you should want the pure and simple teaching. By it you can grow up and be saved, 1 Peter 2:2 NCV
The crew of the navy vessel respected their captain. They were always amazed at his wisdom and knowledge of sailing. The captain did have a curious habit. Everyday, he would open his strongbox, take out a piece of paper, look at it, and then lock it up again. Secretly, the crew jimmied open the lock on the strong box. Inside, they found a yellowed piece of paper with the words, “Port is the left side and starboard is the right side of the ship.”
Do you wish you had the spiritual wisdom of a great Bible scholar? The secret of growing in the wisdom of the Lord is not great intelligence nor years of study. True wisdom comes from knowing God’s word, and doing what it says. Read your Bible, and get your walk with the Lord in ship-shape condition.
POWER POINT: A wise man sees as much as he ought, not as much as he can. —Montaigne
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Psalm 73-77
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Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Psalm 119:97 NIV
The new pastor was visiting Mrs. Brown. He asked if she was consistent in her Bible reading. “I read the Word whenever I get a chance.” Pleased with her response, he asked if he could share a scripture verse with her. Hesitantly, she got up and returned with a Bible. As the pastor took the Bible, a pair of reading glasses fell from its pages. Before she could stop herself, Mrs. Brown blurted, “So that’s where those glasses have been! I’ve been looking for them for over two years!”
Is your Bible a close or more of a stranger? Don’t let your Bible gather dust. God’s Word is full of powerful truth and faith-building stories. As spiritual food, you need it every day. Open your Bible today. You might be surprised what you might find in it!
POWER POINT: The Bible is real soul food.
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Psalm 78-83
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Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along a road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:19 NIV
Ernie worked many extra hours. One night, while tucking his son, Bobby, into bed, the boy asked, “Daddy, how much do you make an hour?” “Surprised, Ernie replied, “Twenty dollars per hour.” “Thanks, Dad,” Bobby said, and went to sleep. Two weeks later, Ernie was getting ready to mow the lawn. Bobby came out and stuck some money in his hand. He asked, “What’s this?” “I saved up 20 dollars,” beamed the boy, “and I want to buy an hour of your time today!”
How are you investing in your children’s future? College saving funds are great, but what are you doing today? Invest in your children’s future. Give them an hour today.
POWER POINT: Children, especially set their watches by our clock. —Mark Link
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Psalm 84-89
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Good people will be guided by honesty; dishonesty will destroy those who are not trustworthy. Proverbs 11:3 KCV
Reuben was in the finals of a professional racquetball tournament. At match point, he made a super kill shot and he won it all. Then, something unusual happened. Although the referee and linesman affirmed the shot was good, he turned to his opponent and admitted that the shot hit the floor first. As a result, he lost the match. Later, he said, “It was the only thing I could do to maintain my integrity.”
Are you facing a difficult decision and unsure of what to do? Your integrity is too valuable to compromise. Doing what is right may not be the easiest or most convenient, but you will have peace about your choice. Walking in God’s will is better than being “off the wall.”
POWER POINT: You can’t drive straight on a twisting lane. —Russian Proverb
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Psalm 90-97
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Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves. Romans 12:10 NIV
Charles Jones was a struggling artist. He was hired by Warner Brothers Studios to help create a fledgling cartoon character named Bugs Bunny. At the same time, Walt Disney had created the famous Three Little Pigs cartoon. Jones wrote a letter congratulating Disney on his success of the cartoon. Years later, when Walt Disney lay dying in a hospital, Charles Jones paid him a visit. To Jones’ amazement, Disney recalled the letter that he had sent to him thirty years earlier. “I treasured that letter,” Disney told Jones. “You are the only animator to ever write and congratulate me on my success.” (Adapted from Mark Link, Challenge 2000)
When was the last time you honored someone for something that they have accomplished? When someone is successful, let them know you noticed. Most people hunger for honest recognition and affirmation. Honor others. Show them...[more details]
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Psalm 98-103
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Today I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses. I am offering you life or death, blessings or curses. Now, choose life! Then you and your children may live. Deuteronomy 30:19 NCV
A young student follower of a great wise man tried to trick his mentor. He caught a bird and cupped it in his hands behind his back. He planned to ask the sage what he had in his hands. If the sage answered correctly, he planned to ask if the bird was alive or dead. If the wise man said alive, he would crush it in his hands. If he said dead, he would release the live bird. He went to the master and asked, “Sir, what do I have in my hands?” “A bird,” replied the wise man. “Is it alive or dead?” “The answer to that question,” responded the sage, “is in your hands.”
Do you want a happy and fulfilled life? The answer is simple. Trust God, and obey His Word. The Lord has set before you the option of life or death. The key to the option is obeying or neglecting His Word. Do you want a happy life? Th...[more details]
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Psalm 104-106
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God is a father to orphans, and he defends the widows. God gives the lonely a home. He leads prisoners out with joy. Psalm 68:5-6 NCV
Ed took a vacation to Ireland to celebrate his favorite uncle's 80th birthday. On the morning of the great day, Ed and his uncle took an early morning walk along the shores of Lake Killarney. As the sun rose, his uncle stared for a few minutes at the dawning day, and suddenly, with a radiant smile on his face, began to skip along the shoreline. After catching up to him, Ed said, “Uncle Seamus, you look so happy. Do you want to tell my why?” He replied with tears running down his face. “The Father is fond of me! So very fond of me!”(Brennan Manning)
Are you looking for a father’s love? A good father is hard to find. Turn to God. He promises to be a father to the fatherless. You might be surprised to learn that He is very fond of you!
POWER POINT: It is easier for parents to have children than for children to have parents. —Pope John XX...[more details]
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Psalm 104-106
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I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 NIV
A shepherd and his young dog lived in Edinburgh, Scotland. The collie was so devoted to his master that he would follow him everywhere. The man died and was buried in a local cemetery. The dog trailed behind the mourners. After they left, the collie laid down on the grave and stayed by his master. People brought food and water to the dog. After 10 years, the dog finally died, never leaving the graveside of his master.
How faithful are you to your Master? Are you committed to spend the rest of your life following His will? Jesus gave His whole life for you. Such love demands your whole life.
POWER POINT: Finish well.
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Psalm 107-110
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Jesus, looking at the man, loved him and said, "There is one more thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me." Mark 10:21 NCV
Nepalese fighters, known as Ghurkas, have a reputation for toughness. In the 1960’s, they were asked jump from planes into combat against the Indonesians. The men were willing to do what was asked. Their only request was that the planes fly at 100 feet over a swampy area. When they were told that the parachutes would not have time to open from a low altitude, the Ghurkas replied, “Oh, that will make a difference. You hadn’t mentioned parachutes!”
Is the Lord calling you to risky obedience? Are you willing to jump without a chute? Jesus wants a full commitment from those who follow him. Often, it is not clear how it will work out, but God wants you to trust Him. If the Lord is calling, leap in faith and yell, “Geronimo!”
POWER POINT: If you...[more details]
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Psalm 111-118
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Those who think they know something really don’t know as they ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2 TEV
A young book salesman was assigned to a rural area. The young man approached a farmer with all the zeal of a newly trained salesman. “Sir,” he said, “I have a book that will tell you how to farm 10 times better than you do now.” The farmer said, “Son, I don’t need your book. I already know how to farm 10 times better than I’m doing it now.” (James Kallam)
Is your head knowledge of the Truth ahead of your heart knowledge? True spiritual understanding comes only as you begin to practice what you know. Put what God is teaching you into practice today!
POWER POINT: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. — Teddy Roosevelt
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Psalm 119
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You must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body. Ephesians 4:25 NCV
Mrs. Jones went into the butcher shop and asked for a good stewing hen. The butcher had one chicken left. He went to the back of the shop and pretended to pick out the best hen he had by slamming the coop and cackling like a chicken. When he came back with the chicken, she asked for a roaster instead. Again, he went into the back, made more noises, and came back with the same chicken. Mrs. Jones replied, “I’ll take both of them.”
Don’t be caught with one hen. Lies will catch up with you. God wants His people to walk in integrity. Don’t be a chicken. Tell the truth. Give the Lord a good reason to crow about you!
POWER POINT: Ay, sir; to be honest, as the world goes, is to be one man picked out of ten thousand. — William Shakespeare, Hamlet
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Psalm 120-124
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“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:18-19 NIV
Garibaldi, a great military leader of the 18th century, was responsible for the unification of Italy. He only desired the companionship of true patriots. One day, a possible recruit asked him what would be his reward for following the revolution. Garibaldi replied, “No pay, no pension, no titles. You’ll face hunger, thirst, forced marches, and even death. Let him who loves his country with his whole heart, and fears not anything, follow me!”
What is your commitment to God’s Kingdom? Are you willing to forsake all for His cause? Those who obey the call to discipleship leave their former lives for the love of the King and His kingdom. If you hear the call, follow Him!
POWER POINT: The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving. — Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Psalm 125-129
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"Don't fear, little flock, because your Father wants to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 NCV
Little Tricia opened a gift from her aunt. Inside was a child’s necklace made of fake pearls. She loved it and wore it everyday. Several months later, her father asked her for the necklace. She said she loved it too much to give it up, so he let her keep it. A few months later, he asked for it again. She didn’t understand his request, but handed the toy pearls to him anyway. Immediately, he gave her a strand of real pearls.
What do you have that the Lord wants? Are you holding on to a talent, relationship, or a possession earmarked for His purpose? Yield it to God. You can never out give Him. He waits for child-like faith in Him before He gives a pearl of great price.
POWER POINT: The mark of a saint is not perfection, but consecration. A saint is not a man without faults, but a man who has given himself without reservation to God. —Brooke Foss Westcott
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Psalm 130-134
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Do not be mislead; Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV
A farm family had a pet parrot. The parrot roamed freely throughout the barnyard with the children. The father was having trouble with crows eating his new corn crop. One day, he killed several of the pests and, accidentally, the pet parrot. The
children came home from school and cried, “Who killed our pet?” “Bad company!” the father replied.
Are you spending time with the wrong crowd? Your social group has a powerful influence upon you. Hanging out with the wrong people can draw you away from the Lord, and lead you into trouble. Ask yourself if your friends are being drawn closer to God, or are you being drawn farther away? Get away from bad company before you begin to parrot their behavior!
POWER POINT: Associate with people of good quality if you value your own.
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Psalm 130-134
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I will never forget your orders, because you have given me life by them. Psalm 119:93 NCV
The crew of the British ship, HMS Bounty, mutinied and took command of the ship in 1790. The mutineers landed on a deserted island and learned how to ferment a local root to make liquor. Soon, drunkenness and violence overshadowed life on the island. All of the men died except John Adams. He found a Bible, was convicted of his sinful ways, repented, and taught the women and children the Scriptures. Years later, explorers found the clan. They were impressed with the quality. There was no crime, mental illness, or vice.
The Bible can change your life. God’s Word is powerful, and provides the wisdom you need. God’s ways are the best, and will keep you out of trouble and danger. Read the Bible and you’ll find a “bounty” of blessings.
POWER POINT: Study the Bible to be wise; believe it to be safe; practice it to be holy. — Benjamin DeJong
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Psalm 135-139
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We know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him, because we will see him as he really is. 1 John3:2B NCV
Sally sat next to her mother in church. She asked her, “Mommy, do you believe Jesus will come back?” Her mother nodded. “Could He come this week?” “Yes,” she whispered. “Today?” “Yes,” her mom said. “In a few minutes?” “Yes, dear, He could.” “Mommy,” asked Sally, “could you brush my hair just in case?”
The Bible promises Jesus will return to earth. When He returns, He will judge the sins of all people. A new suit or hairdo aren’t necessary, but a heart without sin is. Jesus is coming again. Make sure your heart is ready!
POWER POINT: The bloom of beauty of the early church was created by its upward look. —James Denney
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Psalm 140-150
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Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives.
Matthew 11:29 NCV
Many years ago, a husband and his wife were driving a horse and buggy along a treacherous stretch of road. The woman became extremely nervous, and in her fright, grabbed one of the reins. As calmly as possible, the husband offered her the other strap. “Oh, no,” she cried, “I don’t want them both!” “Well, then,” he said gently, “you must make your choice. We can’t both drive the same horse!”
Does Jesus hold the reins to your life? Often, when the road gets rough, do you try to take control from Him? If you want to steer clear of potholes filled with anxiety, let Jesus stay in the driver’s seat. He is able to reign in your life.
POWER POINT: Lord of my life, I crown thee now!
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Proverbs 1-4
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