Boasting
What do we have in which we can boast ?
We have no basis to boast in our own might.
We cannot
preserve our lives.
determine the future or change the past.
We are living proof of God’s grace and mercy –
He saved us when we didn't deserve it,
He rescued us from sin and death when we had no power to preserve our lives.
God saves
the sinner,
raises up the disheartened, and
mends the broken.
Praise the LORD for his glory. Praise the LORD for his grace.
Psalm 34:2
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
(Stops & Steps 1420 30Aug2010)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Stops & Steps 1419 29Aug2010
Be alert
Have you ever been frustrated with the weaknesses of your flesh?
Have you ever resolved never more to yield to a particular sin, yet when the temptation came, you fell right back into it?
It's happened to all of us.
Even the disciple Peter. He swore he would never deny Jesus...but he did it anyway, time and time and time again.
There is, however, something we can do to keep from falling prey to temptations. We can "watch and pray."
That's what Jesus told Peter and the other disciples to do in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Romans 8:26
.. the "(Holy) Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak.
(Stops & Steps 1419 29Aug2010)
Have you ever been frustrated with the weaknesses of your flesh?
Have you ever resolved never more to yield to a particular sin, yet when the temptation came, you fell right back into it?
It's happened to all of us.
Even the disciple Peter. He swore he would never deny Jesus...but he did it anyway, time and time and time again.
There is, however, something we can do to keep from falling prey to temptations. We can "watch and pray."
That's what Jesus told Peter and the other disciples to do in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Romans 8:26
.. the "(Holy) Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak.
(Stops & Steps 1419 29Aug2010)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Stops & Steps 1418 28Aug2010
The fountain
It is not possible to put any trash in the mouth of a flowing fountain ! The force of its own outflow protects it and keeps it clear of any impurities from the outside. Well, the spiritual fountain within you works the same way.
When you are allowing the forces of love and joy and peace and gentleness and all the others to flow out, the devil can not get any of his junk in.
How do you keep the Spirit flowing?
Keep your heart full of the Word of God that the forces of eternal life start bubbling out. Just a little at first...and then stronger and higher.
John 4:14
Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of
water springing up into everlasting life.
(Stops & Steps 1418 28Aug2010)
It is not possible to put any trash in the mouth of a flowing fountain ! The force of its own outflow protects it and keeps it clear of any impurities from the outside. Well, the spiritual fountain within you works the same way.
When you are allowing the forces of love and joy and peace and gentleness and all the others to flow out, the devil can not get any of his junk in.
How do you keep the Spirit flowing?
Keep your heart full of the Word of God that the forces of eternal life start bubbling out. Just a little at first...and then stronger and higher.
John 4:14
Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of
water springing up into everlasting life.
(Stops & Steps 1418 28Aug2010)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Stops & Steps 1417 27Aug2010
Wisdom
What are the greatest riches in life?
They are not silver and gold. Of infinitely greater value is wisdom, which helps us understand what is valuable, what is true, what is worthy of our heart, and what is not.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
(Stops & Steps 1417 27Aug2010)
What are the greatest riches in life?
They are not silver and gold. Of infinitely greater value is wisdom, which helps us understand what is valuable, what is true, what is worthy of our heart, and what is not.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
(Stops & Steps 1417 27Aug2010)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Stops & Steps 1416 26Aug2010
Poor words and bad timing
How many times have you said just the "wrong" thing?
Jesus words on this topic are indeed convicting :
"Out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak."
In other words, poor words and bad timing in our speech are more issues of our heart than issues of social skills and decorum.
Let us ask God to purify, mend, and re-focus our heart on his will and passions.
Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
(Stops & Steps 1416 26Aug2010)
How many times have you said just the "wrong" thing?
Jesus words on this topic are indeed convicting :
"Out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak."
In other words, poor words and bad timing in our speech are more issues of our heart than issues of social skills and decorum.
Let us ask God to purify, mend, and re-focus our heart on his will and passions.
Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
(Stops & Steps 1416 26Aug2010)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Stops & Steps 1415 25Aug2010
The powerful Word
God's word
is a light to our dark path in a morally uncertain world.
is our standard for right and wrong, righteousness and evil.
delivers us from all sorts of destructive practices that can ruin our lives.
Psalm 119:133
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
(Stops & Steps 1415 25Aug2010)
God's word
is a light to our dark path in a morally uncertain world.
is our standard for right and wrong, righteousness and evil.
delivers us from all sorts of destructive practices that can ruin our lives.
Psalm 119:133
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
(Stops & Steps 1415 25Aug2010)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Stops & Steps 1414 24Aug2010
The wicked and the righteous
The wicked fear
the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness.
not being in control.
death's overtaking them.
The righteous
desire the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness.
offer their lives to be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God.
recognize death is an enemy, but one that has been conquered by their Savior.
Proverbs 10:24
What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.
(Stops & Steps 1414 24Aug2010)
The wicked fear
the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness.
not being in control.
death's overtaking them.
The righteous
desire the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness.
offer their lives to be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God.
recognize death is an enemy, but one that has been conquered by their Savior.
Proverbs 10:24
What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted.
(Stops & Steps 1414 24Aug2010)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Stops & Steps 1413 23Aug2010
Anger and foolishness
Responding quickly to aggravation, threat, insult, or difficulty suggests strength to many folks today. However, responding hastily out of anger is foolish. This response seldom produces the desired long term effect and nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run.
Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
(Stops & Steps 1413 23Aug2010)
Responding quickly to aggravation, threat, insult, or difficulty suggests strength to many folks today. However, responding hastily out of anger is foolish. This response seldom produces the desired long term effect and nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run.
Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
(Stops & Steps 1413 23Aug2010)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Stops & Steps 1412 22Aug2010
Integrity
Be a person of integrity.
When someone finds out your secrets, you can feel secure knowing that you have lived for godliness. However, a perverse and deceitful person has to constantly worry that someone will find him out. There is no security or assurance in crooked paths, only the certainty of getting tripped up and caught. When the secrets of evil that have been whispered in dark places get shouted from the rooftops, those who have lived for the Lord can be secure, knowing that what gets shouted about them is said with the voice of God: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
(Stops & Steps 1412 22Aug2010)
Be a person of integrity.
When someone finds out your secrets, you can feel secure knowing that you have lived for godliness. However, a perverse and deceitful person has to constantly worry that someone will find him out. There is no security or assurance in crooked paths, only the certainty of getting tripped up and caught. When the secrets of evil that have been whispered in dark places get shouted from the rooftops, those who have lived for the Lord can be secure, knowing that what gets shouted about them is said with the voice of God: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Proverbs 10:9
The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
(Stops & Steps 1412 22Aug2010)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Stops & Steps 1411 21Aug2010
Seek the real answer
God quenches the thirst and satisfies the hunger of those who seek him. So often we try to soothe the ache in our soul and fill the emptiness in our heart with what is only a temporary satisfaction that only God's presence can fill. Let's refuse every false satisfaction and seek the LORD!
Psalm 107 : 9
For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
(Stops & Steps 1411 21Aug2010)
God quenches the thirst and satisfies the hunger of those who seek him. So often we try to soothe the ache in our soul and fill the emptiness in our heart with what is only a temporary satisfaction that only God's presence can fill. Let's refuse every false satisfaction and seek the LORD!
Psalm 107 : 9
For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
(Stops & Steps 1411 21Aug2010)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Stops & Steps 1410 20Aug2010
A varied life
A river is victoriously unrelenting, it overcomes all barriers.
The obstacle is a matter of indifference to the river which will flow steadily through you if you remember to keep right at the source.
The Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles. Never get your eyes on the obstacle or on the difficulty.
Never allow anything to come between yourself and Jesus Christ, no emotion, or experience; nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.
John 7 : 38
Rivers of living water.
(Stops & Steps 1410 20Aug2010)
A river is victoriously unrelenting, it overcomes all barriers.
The obstacle is a matter of indifference to the river which will flow steadily through you if you remember to keep right at the source.
The Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles. Never get your eyes on the obstacle or on the difficulty.
Never allow anything to come between yourself and Jesus Christ, no emotion, or experience; nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.
John 7 : 38
Rivers of living water.
(Stops & Steps 1410 20Aug2010)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Stops & Steps 1409 19Aug2010
Slow down
Some of us would not slow down for anything!
When we get too caught up in our own plans, the LORD, our Shepherd, slows us down and makes us lie down. Our Shepherd knows we need rest, nourishment, and refreshment and helps us find "green pastures" and "still waters." He then leads us in the direction of his righteousness and holiness once we are rested and refreshed.
Isn't it interesting that God's order for our life is always grace and then glory?
Psalm 23 : 2-3
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
(Stops & Steps 1409 19Aug2010)
Some of us would not slow down for anything!
When we get too caught up in our own plans, the LORD, our Shepherd, slows us down and makes us lie down. Our Shepherd knows we need rest, nourishment, and refreshment and helps us find "green pastures" and "still waters." He then leads us in the direction of his righteousness and holiness once we are rested and refreshed.
Isn't it interesting that God's order for our life is always grace and then glory?
Psalm 23 : 2-3
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
(Stops & Steps 1409 19Aug2010)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Stops & Steps 1408 18Aug2010
Languages of nature
Think of the majestic order of the universe and its obedience to unchanging law.
The language of
order,
beauty,
perfection and intelligence
speaks of the existence of God
There is
(a) certainty and regularity of the seasons
(b) precision of the movements of the sun, the moon and the stars
(c) regular coming of the night and day
(d) balance between man’s consumption of life-giving oxygen and its production by the plant-life of the earth
Psalm 19 : 1-3
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
(Stops & Steps 1408 18Aug2010)
Think of the majestic order of the universe and its obedience to unchanging law.
The language of
order,
beauty,
perfection and intelligence
speaks of the existence of God
There is
(a) certainty and regularity of the seasons
(b) precision of the movements of the sun, the moon and the stars
(c) regular coming of the night and day
(d) balance between man’s consumption of life-giving oxygen and its production by the plant-life of the earth
Psalm 19 : 1-3
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
(Stops & Steps 1408 18Aug2010)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Stops & Steps 1407 17Aug2010
Selfish lifestyle
Self-centeredness is the basic cause of much of our distress in life. Our loves, our interests and our energies are too often focused upon ourselves. Many of us live selfishly.
Matthew 19 : 21
If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
Here in this verse, Jesus wants us to be released from selfishness and its destructive effect on our personality and life.
John 3 : 30
He must become greater; I must become less.
(Stops & Steps 1407 17Aug2010)
Self-centeredness is the basic cause of much of our distress in life. Our loves, our interests and our energies are too often focused upon ourselves. Many of us live selfishly.
Matthew 19 : 21
If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
Here in this verse, Jesus wants us to be released from selfishness and its destructive effect on our personality and life.
John 3 : 30
He must become greater; I must become less.
(Stops & Steps 1407 17Aug2010)
Monday, August 16, 2010
Stops & Steps 1406 16Aug2010
How to be rich
There are two ways of being rich – have a lot or want very little
The latter way is the easiest for most of us. Many people make themselves miserable by wanting more than they can ever have. They can never get enough of the insatiable desire for more, better and newer things.
We need not learn how to get more but how to get along with what we have got, and get on with the business of really living.
Luke 12 : 15
Then he said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions
(Stops & Steps 1406 16Aug2010)
There are two ways of being rich – have a lot or want very little
The latter way is the easiest for most of us. Many people make themselves miserable by wanting more than they can ever have. They can never get enough of the insatiable desire for more, better and newer things.
We need not learn how to get more but how to get along with what we have got, and get on with the business of really living.
Luke 12 : 15
Then he said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions
(Stops & Steps 1406 16Aug2010)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Stops & Steps 1405 15Aug2010
Be truthful
The purity of our conduct comes from truthfulness. We should be truthful in our representation of ourselves. We should avoid hypocrisy. We should be truthful in speaking of our past achievements. A lie is anything that opposes the naked truth !!
Psalm 51 : 6
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
(Stops & Steps 1405 15Aug2010)
The purity of our conduct comes from truthfulness. We should be truthful in our representation of ourselves. We should avoid hypocrisy. We should be truthful in speaking of our past achievements. A lie is anything that opposes the naked truth !!
Psalm 51 : 6
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
(Stops & Steps 1405 15Aug2010)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Stops & Steps 1404 14Aug2010
Lonely
Loneliness is no respecter of persons
It invades the palace as well as the humble hut.
Loneliness causes many
to turn to drinking
to lose their sanity
to commit suicide
Moses was not alone in the Midian Desert when God came to comfort him and call him to a wider ministry
Elijah was not alone at the cave when God came near and spoke to him
Paul and Silas were not alone in the Philippian jail
Deuteronomy 3 : 16
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
(Stops & Steps 1404 14Aug2010)
Loneliness is no respecter of persons
It invades the palace as well as the humble hut.
Loneliness causes many
to turn to drinking
to lose their sanity
to commit suicide
Moses was not alone in the Midian Desert when God came to comfort him and call him to a wider ministry
Elijah was not alone at the cave when God came near and spoke to him
Paul and Silas were not alone in the Philippian jail
Deuteronomy 3 : 16
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
(Stops & Steps 1404 14Aug2010)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Stops & Steps 1403 13Aug2010
Victory over our tongues
The tongue - this instrument of speech can be used destructively or employed constructively
Tongues are used to slander, to gripe, to scold, to nag, to quarrel
Tongues are used to bless and to praise
Most of our problems could be solved if men could get victory over their tongues.
Suppose there were
no anger, no vulgarity, no lying, no grumbling, no complaining
no dirty stories, no unjust criticism
It would have been a different world !!!!
Before we speak, we should ask ourselves
Is it true ?
Is it kind ?
James 1 : 26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 4 : 7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
(Stops & Steps 1403 13Aug2010)
The tongue - this instrument of speech can be used destructively or employed constructively
Tongues are used to slander, to gripe, to scold, to nag, to quarrel
Tongues are used to bless and to praise
Most of our problems could be solved if men could get victory over their tongues.
Suppose there were
no anger, no vulgarity, no lying, no grumbling, no complaining
no dirty stories, no unjust criticism
It would have been a different world !!!!
Before we speak, we should ask ourselves
Is it true ?
Is it kind ?
James 1 : 26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 4 : 7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
(Stops & Steps 1403 13Aug2010)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Stops & Steps 1402 12Aug2010
What is peace ?
Peace is - To be able to sleep in the storm.
Peace is - The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest
Peace is - To be relaxed, and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments and perplexities of life.
Psalm 39 : 7
But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
(Stops & Steps 1402 12Aug2010)
Peace is - To be able to sleep in the storm.
Peace is - The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest
Peace is - To be relaxed, and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments and perplexities of life.
Psalm 39 : 7
But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
(Stops & Steps 1402 12Aug2010)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Stops & Steps 1401 11Aug2010
Lying
Lying can be so easy.
It often seems like the best way to avoid a sticky problem or to protect ourselves from the results of other bad choices.
Lying always backfires.
Proverbs 13 : 5
The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace
(Stops & Steps 1401 11Aug2010)
Lying can be so easy.
It often seems like the best way to avoid a sticky problem or to protect ourselves from the results of other bad choices.
Lying always backfires.
Proverbs 13 : 5
The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace
(Stops & Steps 1401 11Aug2010)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Stops & Steps 1400 10Aug2010
My daily life
A Christian life is a lifestyle that builds on past lessons and decisions, but it also depends on our dedication day by day. It is a life of daily commitment. We cannot live off yesterday’s successes, last week’s prayers, or the Bible stories we heard when we were young.
Each new day is both a challenge and an opportunity. Our faith will be challenged, and we can use that challenge as an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God.. As each day unfolds, we must pause and remind ourselves that this is a day dedicated to God, that it is to be used for His glory, and that it is beast lived with a continual recollection of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
(Stops & Steps 1400 10Aug2010)
A Christian life is a lifestyle that builds on past lessons and decisions, but it also depends on our dedication day by day. It is a life of daily commitment. We cannot live off yesterday’s successes, last week’s prayers, or the Bible stories we heard when we were young.
Each new day is both a challenge and an opportunity. Our faith will be challenged, and we can use that challenge as an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God.. As each day unfolds, we must pause and remind ourselves that this is a day dedicated to God, that it is to be used for His glory, and that it is beast lived with a continual recollection of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
(Stops & Steps 1400 10Aug2010)
Monday, August 09, 2010
Stops & Steps 1399 09Aug2010
Angry - good or bad ???
To be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, is not easy !!!!
If anger is mingled with malice, it becomes sinful. If it is associated with a holy disposition, it is safe and good.
Becoming angry with someone because of personal resentment or envy is sinful.
Anger, aroused by injustice or evil, and accompanied by a sincere desire to see God’s will performed, is both healthy and effective.
Ephesians 4 : 26-27
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
(Stops & Steps 1399 09Aug2010)
To be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, is not easy !!!!
If anger is mingled with malice, it becomes sinful. If it is associated with a holy disposition, it is safe and good.
Becoming angry with someone because of personal resentment or envy is sinful.
Anger, aroused by injustice or evil, and accompanied by a sincere desire to see God’s will performed, is both healthy and effective.
Ephesians 4 : 26-27
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
(Stops & Steps 1399 09Aug2010)
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Stops & Steps 1398 08Aug2010
Getting into trouble
When our tongue is out of work – not being used for constructive and useful purposes – we are more likely to get in trouble with it. We find it so easy to say the kinds of things that are disrespectful, slanderous, cruel, or immoral.
Proverbs 21 : 23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
(Stops & Steps 1398 08Aug2010)
When our tongue is out of work – not being used for constructive and useful purposes – we are more likely to get in trouble with it. We find it so easy to say the kinds of things that are disrespectful, slanderous, cruel, or immoral.
Proverbs 21 : 23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
(Stops & Steps 1398 08Aug2010)
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Stops & Steps 1397 07Aug2010
Character building
The people of ancient China built a massive wall to protect themselves from the barbaric hordes that swept down from the north The wall was too high for the enemy to climb, too thick to tear down and too long to go around. Yet during the first 100 years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded three times.
The enemies simply bribed a gatekeeper and then marched easily through a gate.
The fatal flaw in this defense system lay in spending its wealth to build a wall but paying much less to build the character of the gatekeepers.
Proverbs 14 : 34
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people
(Stops & Steps 1397 07Aug2010)
The people of ancient China built a massive wall to protect themselves from the barbaric hordes that swept down from the north The wall was too high for the enemy to climb, too thick to tear down and too long to go around. Yet during the first 100 years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded three times.
The enemies simply bribed a gatekeeper and then marched easily through a gate.
The fatal flaw in this defense system lay in spending its wealth to build a wall but paying much less to build the character of the gatekeepers.
Proverbs 14 : 34
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people
(Stops & Steps 1397 07Aug2010)
Friday, August 06, 2010
Stops & Steps 1396 06Aug2010
Good virtues
Character is measured by the love and faithfulness we genuinely show in our daily lives. These are not simple virtues that we can fake.
We show merciful love when we have power over another but choose to treat them with kindness and genuine concern.
Faithfulness is being a person of truth -- genuine and trustworthy in word and deed.
These virtues need to be a part of our everyday lives and permeate our very identity. When they do, others will notice and God will be pleased.
Proverbs 3 : 3-4
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
(Stops & Steps 1396 06Aug2010)
Character is measured by the love and faithfulness we genuinely show in our daily lives. These are not simple virtues that we can fake.
We show merciful love when we have power over another but choose to treat them with kindness and genuine concern.
Faithfulness is being a person of truth -- genuine and trustworthy in word and deed.
These virtues need to be a part of our everyday lives and permeate our very identity. When they do, others will notice and God will be pleased.
Proverbs 3 : 3-4
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
(Stops & Steps 1396 06Aug2010)
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Stops & Steps 1395 05Aug2010
Trust
No matter how terrifying things around you seem to get, trust God.
He will
always be faithful
never be out doing something else when you need help
be right there to deliver you from any problem
be right there to deliver you from any catastrophe
be right there to deliver you from any kind of devastation
No other can deliver like Him!
Psalm 91:7-10
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
(Stops & Steps 1395 05Aug2010)
No matter how terrifying things around you seem to get, trust God.
He will
always be faithful
never be out doing something else when you need help
be right there to deliver you from any problem
be right there to deliver you from any catastrophe
be right there to deliver you from any kind of devastation
No other can deliver like Him!
Psalm 91:7-10
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
(Stops & Steps 1395 05Aug2010)
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Stops & Steps 1394 04Aug2010
Fear
Could you live without fear?
Fear is not just a reaction to external circumstances.
It's a spiritual force. It begins inside a person. And it is totally destructive.
In fact, fear is Satan's primary weapon. He moves in response to fear, the way God moves in response to faith. He challenges the promises of God with it.
The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Use it to fight Satan every time he comes against you. Hold up your shield of faith and quench all of his fiery darts. Speak words of faith and fear will depart.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
(Stops & Steps 1394 04Aug2010)
Could you live without fear?
Fear is not just a reaction to external circumstances.
It's a spiritual force. It begins inside a person. And it is totally destructive.
In fact, fear is Satan's primary weapon. He moves in response to fear, the way God moves in response to faith. He challenges the promises of God with it.
The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Use it to fight Satan every time he comes against you. Hold up your shield of faith and quench all of his fiery darts. Speak words of faith and fear will depart.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
(Stops & Steps 1394 04Aug2010)
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Stops & Steps 1393 03Aug2010
Undecided ???
What happens when you hesitate to do something God has told you to do?
If you want to live by faith, hesitation is one of the most hazardous habits you could ever have.
A person who is hesitant is "unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything he thinks, feels, and decides".
When God speaks, do not waste a moment. Step right out in faith. By doing this, you can always keep the devil a step behind you!
James 1:6-8
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
(Stops & Steps 1393 03Aug2010)
What happens when you hesitate to do something God has told you to do?
If you want to live by faith, hesitation is one of the most hazardous habits you could ever have.
A person who is hesitant is "unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything he thinks, feels, and decides".
When God speaks, do not waste a moment. Step right out in faith. By doing this, you can always keep the devil a step behind you!
James 1:6-8
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
(Stops & Steps 1393 03Aug2010)
Monday, August 02, 2010
Stops & Steps 1392 02Aug2010
I am in debt
We should feel an obligation to pass along to others the kindness shown to us.
We are indebted to God for everything. And the least we can do is to show our appreciation by telling others about Him.
Whether it is a smile to a stranger, an unexpected gift of money to the poor, a helping hand, a word of encouragement or witness, do it for Jesus’ sake.
Galatians 6 : 10
Do not hesitate to do good to all
(Stops & Steps 1392 02Aug2010)
We should feel an obligation to pass along to others the kindness shown to us.
We are indebted to God for everything. And the least we can do is to show our appreciation by telling others about Him.
Whether it is a smile to a stranger, an unexpected gift of money to the poor, a helping hand, a word of encouragement or witness, do it for Jesus’ sake.
Galatians 6 : 10
Do not hesitate to do good to all
(Stops & Steps 1392 02Aug2010)
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Stops & Steps 1391 01Aug2010
Do not worry
"Take one day at a time"
"Don't worry about tomorrow".
It is also about obedience.
It is about trust. Do I trust God to look after my future, or do I need to look after myself?
Matthew 6:34,
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you
Remember when God promised to send manna to the Israelites in the desert, so that they would always have bread to eat? (Exodus 16:1 - 36) Some people didn't believe God would send manna again the next day; they weren't sure they could trust Him, so they gathered extra just in case. The next morning the manna they had collected was crawling with maggots.
Listen to what God said to Moses about the situation. "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions" (Exodus 16:4.)
The people's obedience to God was a measure of their faith in Him. If they followed His instructions, it was proof that they trusted Him.
When Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow was a good command. He knew we would be overwhelmed by the weight of the future (remember the Israelites were in the desert for forty years.) Therefore He instructed us to obey Him today and trust Him for tomorrow.
(Stops & Steps 1391 01Aug2010)
"Take one day at a time"
"Don't worry about tomorrow".
It is also about obedience.
It is about trust. Do I trust God to look after my future, or do I need to look after myself?
Matthew 6:34,
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you
Remember when God promised to send manna to the Israelites in the desert, so that they would always have bread to eat? (Exodus 16:1 - 36) Some people didn't believe God would send manna again the next day; they weren't sure they could trust Him, so they gathered extra just in case. The next morning the manna they had collected was crawling with maggots.
Listen to what God said to Moses about the situation. "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions" (Exodus 16:4.)
The people's obedience to God was a measure of their faith in Him. If they followed His instructions, it was proof that they trusted Him.
When Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow was a good command. He knew we would be overwhelmed by the weight of the future (remember the Israelites were in the desert for forty years.) Therefore He instructed us to obey Him today and trust Him for tomorrow.
(Stops & Steps 1391 01Aug2010)
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