datethewordtest

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  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 10 (4/10) is James 4:10

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 10 (4/10) is James 4:10

     “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”  – James 4:10
    YOU ARE GOD AND I AM NOT

    For the second time in chapter 4, James calls the believer to humble themselves before the Lord.  Just a few verses earlier in James 4:6 he wrote “But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”  James pulls this from Proverbs 3:34. One of the contrasting themes of Proverbs is the proud versus the humble.  God’s response could not be more different as He RESISTS the proud.  A word to describe resists would be a stiff arm.  On the other hand, God lifts up the humble.   Psalm 147:6 says, “The LORD lifts up the humble;”  

    To the one who humbles themselves and confesses their sin, He forgives and restores.  

    To the one who humbles themselves and asks for help in doing God’s work, God empowers and enables.  
      
    To humble oneself is to empty oneself of ego and declare a dependence on another. Instead of one saying I CAN they declare they CAN’T, even though they may think they can. To humble oneself is to refuse to continue to rely on oneself and resolve reliance on another.   

    Over the years I have watched students at school declare to their teachers I CAN DO IT MYSELF and then they make a MESS of things. I have watched adults do the same thing.  I have watched myself declare I can DO IT MYSELF and I make a mess of things!  Hmmm.  It even happens with those in ministry as we RELY ON OURSELVES, believing it is a weakness to rely on God.  Oh, what a mess we make of things.

    The Lord calls to us to RELY on Him.  We are to ABIDE in Him.  We are to TRUST Him. We are to COMMIT our ways to Him. To do these actions means we need to DECLARE unequivocally that WE are NOT GOD!  God is GOD AND I AM NOT HIM.  God is GOD and YOU ARE NOT HIM.  

    HUMBLING oneself releases God to do great things through you!  Make the move today and LET GOD DO FAR MORE THROUGH YOU than you could ever imagine. 

    In closing ponder why is it so hard for you to be humble, to humble yourself before God.  

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 10 (4/10) is James 4:10. It says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.“

    Humble yourselves before Him, declaring total dependence, and watch Him work!

    Continue Strong living humbly before God
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are
    of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy –
     meditate (THINK) on these things. – Philippians 4:8
    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things.” 

    RIGHT THINKING LEADS TO RIGHT LIVING

    Our minds are incredible as we have the ABILITY TO THINK!  We can be CREATIVE and CONSTRUCTIVE in our thoughts. We can dream and come up with NEW ideas. We can imagine and INVENT.  We can think through problems and solve complex issues.  Maybe someone has said to you, “How did you think of that.”  

    While our minds can be constructive our minds can be destructive. Our thoughts can be corrupt, twisted, and yes, evil. The first time we come across the word “thought” in the Bible is in Genesis 6:5 and it is not good.  Genesis 6:5 says, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  

    Both good and bad actions follow thinking.  Anyone ask you lately WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

    Our attitude comes from thinking. We can have a positive, optimistic outlook. We can have a negative, pessimistic outlook based on our thinking. 

    As we DATE our verse for the date of 4/8, we place it in the context of Philippians 4 where the apostle Paul is laying out how to NOT be ANXIOUS from verse 6. Anxiety brings about a divided mind as our mind/thoughts are like in a tug-a-war. Instead of having a mind that is tearing itself apart, the Apostle tells us to PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING and one will then find peace — a peace that passes all understanding. 

    Now along with praying comes instructions to change our thinking and he writes what to THINK on, what to be thinking about.  He gives 8 proactive words for us to be thinking on.   

    We are to be thinking on things that are TRUE.   (Factual, Correct, Right, Honest)
    We are to be thinking on things that are NOBLE. (Honorable, Decent, Upright)
    We are to be thinking on things that are JUST.     (Fair, Impartial, Appropriate)
    We are to be thinking on things that are PURE.    (Authentic, Wholesome, Clean)
    We are to be thinking on things that are LOVELY.  (Pleasant, Delightful, Winsome)
    We are to be thinking on things that are of a GOOD REPORT,  (Beneficial, Decent)
    We are to be thinking on things that are VIRTUOUS,  (Righteous, Worthy, Excellent)
    We are to be thinking on things that are PRAISEWORTHY.   (Commendable, Admirable)

    8 proactive positive words; TRUE, NOBLE, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, GOOD REPORT, VIRTUOUS, PRAISEWORTHY. 

    Putting your “thinking” through this filter how is your thinking? 
    Are you thinking on things that are FALSE?  
    Are you thinking on things that are DEBASED?
    Are you thinking on things that are CORRUPT?
    Are you thinking on things that are UNCLEAN?
    Are you thinking on things that are UGLY?
    Are you thinking on things that are of a BAD REPORT?
    Are you thinking on things that are IMPURE?
    Are you thinking on things that are WORTHLESS?

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 8 (4/8) is Philippians 4:8. It says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate (THINK) on these things.” 

    How does your “thinking” need to CHANGE?  A good verse to go with Philippians 4:8 as a filter for your thinking is Psalm 19:14. It says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

    Continue Strong with RIGHT THINKING
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 4 (4/7) is 1 John 4:7

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 4 (4/7) is 1 John 4:7

    Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves
    is born of God and knows God. – I John 4:7
    A Mark of Salvation is our LOVE for OTHERS.

    The Apostle John is very concise and direct in his writings as he conveys what it means to be a believer.  His purpose for writing 1 John is stated in 1 John 5:13. It reads, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”  Thus, as one reads through the five chapters of 1 John one is going to read about the actions of a true believer.   

    Before we probe into our verse for the date let me point out that 1 John is the go-to letter for helping a person have the ASSURANCE of salvation.  Whenever I have dealt with a person doubting their salvation I have them read 1 John as it will either CONVINCE them that they are saved or it will CONVICT them that they are not saved.   

    1 John 4:7 is a verse that helps a person determine if they are really a believer and if they are really saved.  As John instructs believers (beloved) to love one another he also makes it clear that what he is instructing them is something that is already happening because if one is born of God and knows God they will be loving one another. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:9 loving others starts happening with a believer because God goes to teaching this the moment one is saved.  I Thess. 4:9 says, “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.”   

    If you are a believer your heart has changed toward God and toward others.  Now that Christ indwells you and you are a child of God (Galatians 4:6-7 “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father! 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”) your heart will be like the heart of God which LOVES, loving even to the point of sacrificing for sinners so they may be saved.  (Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.) 

    How do you know you are a believer?  You now love people that you may never ever thought you would love.  

    How do others know you are a believer?  The answer to this question reveals one of the reasons John is so resonant about believers loving one another.   In his gospel, he tells what Jesus conveyed to them shortly before heading out to go to the cross.   You may recall that Jesus gave a new commandment.  He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:34-35) 

    Loving others can be (is) at times very challenging and difficult.  One of my guiding principles is “the time a person needs love the most is the time they deserve it the least.”  I wrote this principle based on when God loved me the most, He loved me when I deserved it the least.  Again, we look at Romans 5:8 as “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

    If we are truly loving others with the actions that describe love from 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) and loving others like Christ loved us then we will be demonstrating love to fellow believers who don’t deserve it but need it!  When this is happening we can know that we are believers.

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 7 (4/7) is 1 John 4:7. It says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

    Power quote: The time a person needs love the most is when they deserve it the least.

    Continue Strong LOVING ONE ANOTHER
    And remember to DATE the WORD

    PS  Here are a few other verses for April 7 (4/7) you might want to consider:
    Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. 

    2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

    Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

    James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

    1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

    2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

    Galatians 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6

    “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
    DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING!  PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING!

    Life is, well, difficult and challenging.  We can easily become consumed with daily concerns. Martha, for example, was so overwhelmed, worried, and concerned with getting a meal prepared for Jesus and friends, that she got all out of sorts with her sister, Mary, and even with her honored dinner guest, JESUS.  Jesus told her that she was worried/anxious and troubled about many things.”   Is it possible your life is being consumed by daily concerns like Martha’s?   

    The Apostle Paul knew the reality of being anxious and addressed the subject head-on in Philippians 4:6.  He literally gives a command to STOP BEING ANXIOUS.  

    Why such a command?  Well, to be anxious is to have a divided mind as one does not know WHAT TO DO.  Instead of having this divided mind that paralyzes a person Paul says, pray. Instead of turning things over and over in your head turn things over to God.  Instead of tossing and turning with all your cares and concerns cast your cares on the Lord.  STOP WORRYING AND START PRAYING! 

    As one probes the depths of this very practical verse there are two words that do present a challenge and they should be examined and yes, applied as we pray.  Now, without a doubt, Paul wants us to take everything to God in prayer.  He tells us not to be anxious.  We are not to be worried.  He tells us to make our request to God regarding the things that have us worried and anxious.  Yet within this most wonderful and helpful verse are the words WITH THANKSGIVING.   As we make our request it is to come “with thanksgiving.”

    WITH THANKSGIVING.   Those two words are challenging as most of our prayers are for God to change something, something that we do not like.   I am not saying all our prayers are this but if I am being honest and you are being honest a lot of praying takes place because we do not like the situation or the circumstances we are facing.  To add to the prayer request THANKSGIVING seems to indicate an acceptance of the circumstance that we want God to change.   

    And that just might be the purpose behind the Holy Spirit guiding Paul’s hands in writing WITH THANKSGIVING to this invitation to pray.   As we give God thanks for the circumstance we want to be changed, we might find God wants to use the circumstance to change us.   Offering thanksgiving with our request may just change our perspective and instead of asking God to get us out of the circumstance, we ask God to get us through the circumstance.  

    Ultimately Philippians 4:6 is one of the great verses in the Bible that reminds us that God does want us to bring everything we are facing to Him in prayer.   We don’t need to be living a life of fear and anxiety.  We don’t have to have a divided mind.  We don’t have to be consumed with cares, and concerns.   

    Oh, by the way, just in case you were wondering what God does when we do bring these requests to Him we only have to look at verse 7.   Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  To our prayers God beings PEACE.  As Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

    Do not forfeit the peace of God all because you do not take everything to God in prayer.   

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 6 (4/6) is Philippians 4:6. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

    DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING!  PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING!

    Continue Strong praying about everything,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 5 (4/5) is 2 Timothy 4:5

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 5 (4/5) is 2 Timothy 4:5

    “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
     fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:5
    FINISH your race and FINISH FAITHFUL

    In getting to know God’s Word it is important to KNOW WHY THE WRITER WRITES what they write.  Looking at an introduction of 2 Timothy one will find that the Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, his son in the faith, to give him words of ENCOURAGEMENT as well as words to EQUIP him so that HE DOES NOT QUIT running the race that God has set before him.  It is clear in chapter one that Timothy needs this as Paul tells him that he knows about his tears (2 Tim. 1:5).  Paul also knows that Timothy is struggling with him being in prison and is moving to a place of not wanting anyone to know he is a follower of Christ nor a friend of Paul.  Paul writes, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner.” (2 Tim. 1:8a)  

    The letter to Timothy then is to help him with practical instructions.  The help starts with 2 Timothy 1:6 where Paul tells him to STIR UP THE GIFT (keep the fire burning is the idea) and concludes with 2 Timothy 4:5.  After 2 Timothy 4:5 Paul will share some personal information.  Our verse to DATE in 4/5 is in many ways a summation of all that has been said and becomes one of those verses we all need to be holding onto as we run the race that God has for us.   Let us look at the 4 things Paul instructed Timothy to do.

    First, he tells him to “be watchful.”  The idea is ALERT.  It means to keep a clear mind. Timothy is a leader, and he is to be calm, cool, and collected in the face of a crisis.   He can’t let the enemy get the best of him.  As situations arise he must remember that God has not given him a spirit of fear but of power and love and a SOUND MIND.  As everyone else is losing their head in the crisis the Christians are keeping their head.   

    How do you need to apply “be watchful” to your daily life?

    Second, he tells him to “endure afflictions.”  The idea is to HANG IN THERE no matter how tough and rough and hard it gets.  In the first chapter, Paul invites Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.   (2 Timothy 1:8b)  In chapter 2 Paul reminded Timothy that he is like a SOLDIER and soldiers ENDURE HARDSHIPS.   

    Isaac Watts wrote in his great song Am I a Soldier of the Cross, “Must I be carried to the skies on flow’ry beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?  Great question for us!

    How do you need to apply “endure affliction” to your daily life?

    Third, he told him to “do the work of an evangelist.”  This is basically a repeat of the first verses of 2 Timothy 4 where Paul tells Timothy to PREACH the Word and to preach in season and out of season.  Timothy was to step out and SPEAK UP!  Even if the message of the gospel is offensive, people have to know the TRUTH.  Paul is telling Timothy he can’t be silent.  

    How do you need to apply “do the work of an evangelist” to your daily life?

    Fourth, he told him to “FULFILL his ministry.”  This is the FINAL charge.  Be a FINISHER and FINISH FAITHFULLY.  Don’t ever quit.  Regardless of the persecution, regardless of the failures, regardless of the rejections, regardless of the objections, regardless of the resistance, etc. Paul wants Timothy to stay focused on what God has for him to do and to do it so that Timothy might finish the race and hear “Well done My good and faithful servant!   

    How do you need to apply “fulfill your ministry” to your daily life?

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 5 (4/5) is 2 Timothy 4:5. It says, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

    To be FOUND FAITHFUL (1 Cor. 4:2) will mean FULFILLING God’s assignments!  
    “Don’t Quit.”  Dr. Jerry Falwell

    Continue Strong,
    And remember to DATE The WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 4 (4/4) is Matthew 4:4

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 4 (4/4) is Matthew 4:4

    But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
    Matthew 4:4 says, “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
    EAT YOUR SCRIPTURES

    One of my favorite cartoons growing up was Popeye the Sailor Man. It was a cartoon that made eating spinach famous because as Popeye was facing his arch nemesis, Bluto, he would pop open a can of spinach and squeeze the contents of the can into his mouth. Immediately he had big muscles and was STRONG, so strong that he started whipping up on the bigger and stronger Bluto. Parents and grandparents (moms and grandmothers) seized on the opportunity to encourage the eating of spinach by saying EAT YOUR SPINACH so you can be strong like Popeye.  

    Today’s verse to DATE reminds us that we need to be EATING GOD’S SCRIPTURES. Jesus speaks right back at the Devil as he tries to convince a hungry Jesus to misuse His power and command rocks to turn into bread. Even though He was hungry from fasting for 40 days Jesus knows He is not to fulfill a natural appetite in an unnatural way. He quotes to the devil Deuteronomy 8:3, using Scripture to push back on the devil’s temptation to fulfill or satisfy the lust of the flesh.  

    As humans, we are more than a physical being. We are spiritual and our soul must be fed just as our physical beings need to be fed and nourished. The Scriptures are SOUL FOOD. In order to be spiritually healthy and in order to be spiritually strong we need to feed on the Scriptures DAILY.  To the new believers, Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:2   “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,”. The writer of Hebrews spoke of moving forward to solid food or what might be called the meat of the word.   

    One of my favorite verses about eating God’s Word comes from Jeremiah 15:16. Jeremiah said, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.”  I think Jeremiah might say EAT YOUR SCRIPTURES!   

    There is another verse for April 4 that ties to Matthew 4:4. It is Proverbs 4:4. Proverbs 4:4 says, “He (KING DAVID) also taught me (Solomon), and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live.” Our spiritual LIFE is so dependent on the SCRIPTURES! It is imperative to hear (EAT) and read (EAT) and memorize (EAT) and study and meditate and APPLY God’s Word, Scripture to LIVE! 

    To cap off EAT YOUR SCRIPTURES let us be reminded that John wrote to young men and commended them for being STRONG. They were STRONG because the Word of God was in them. Because God’s Word was in them they were STRONG and they OVERCAME the evil one. (See 1 John 2:14)

    Friends, EAT THE SCRIPTURES! Do not become spiritually malnourished. In the morning (before physical breakfast) EAT THE SCRIPTURES Psalm 143:8 says, “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.” In the evening BEFORE BED read God’s Word so that you might meditate in your bed as Ps 63:6 says, “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.” My friend, Stu Epperson says, Bible before breakfast, Bible before Bed!   

    Please listen to Jesus: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’  EAT THE SCRIPTURES!

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 4 (4/4) is Matthew 4:4. It says, “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

    Continue Strong EATING THE SCRIPTURES
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 3 (4/3) is Colossians 4:3

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 3 (4/3) is Colossians 4:3

    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 3 (4/3) is Colossians 4:3
    Colossians 4:3 says, “meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,”
    PRAYING for OPPORTUNITIES to SHARE CHRIST

    What do you pray about when you pray?  What are you earnestly and fervently praying for God to do? What do you ask others to pray about when you ask for prayer?  Does your personal prayer time and do your prayer requests to others include asking that you would have opportunities to share Christ?  More than praying for a person you know that is lost to be saved (a very important prayer request) are you praying that God will OPEN DOORS of opportunities to be a witness for Him?

    One of the reasons we hold the Apostle Paul in such high regard is because of his unflinching focus on being a soul-winner.  As the books of Colossians and Ephesians are being written the Apostle Paul is in Rome in jail.  I would think he would have numerous prayer requests for God’s people as he sits in jail.  Surely he would be asked for prayer that he would be released and/or treated fairly.  YET his prayer request to the Colossian believers is for OPPORTUNITIES to witness.  His prayer request to his friends at the church of Ephesus was “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

    What can we learn from Colossians 4:3?  Without question one of the answers is our prayer list needs asking GOD TO OPEN DOORS FOR US TO WITNESS.  

    Now you need to know something.  When you pray a prayer like that you better be READY and PREPARED for God to answer.  If you pray this prayer your “spiritual antennae” better be up because God will go to work designing “divine appointments” for you.  The apostle Paul began winning Roman soldiers to the Lord.  He even won members of Caesar’s household to the Lord.  Read Philippians 4:22. God used CHAINS in order for Paul to have CONVERTS in Rome!  As you pray for God to open doors to be a witness you need to be “spiritually ALERT” to divine appointments!  

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 3 (4/3) is Colossians 4:3. Colossians 4:3 says, “meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,”

    Pray a prayer that is sure to be answered. Pray for God to open doors to share the gospel!

    Continue Strong making Him known,
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 2 (4/2) is 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 2 (4/2) is 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 2 (4/2) is 1 Corinthians 4:2
    1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
    REQUIRED to be Found FAITHFUL

    In the Word of God with its 31,102 verses, there are very few that DEMAND more of us than 1 Corinthians 4:2.  Several words grab our attention starting with STEWARDS followed by REQUIRED and then FOUND FAITHFUL.   

    The word steward speaks of one who has been assigned to manage the household.  An owner of a home will ENTRUST another with MANAGING all that goes with running a home. Some of the work will be done by the manager but more often than not they will hire others to perform the duties. Those hired are then accountable to the steward and the steward is accountable to the owner.   

    We are STEWARDS. God, our owner, has entrusted us with various duties. One of the ways we have sought to explain these duties is to list 5 key areas that have been entrusted to us. They are: TIME. TALENT. TREASURE. TEMPLE. TESTIMONY.  

    Our verse tells us the STEWARD is REQUIRED. The word REQUIRED means to BE RESPONSIBLE with RESPONSIBILITIES. The Greek conveys there will be ACCOUNTABILITY as one has to ANSWER BACK.  A steward has to ANSWER BACK to the OWNER for how what was entrusted to them was MANAGED. A great example of this is found in Matthew 25:14-30. This passage is known as the Parable of the Talents. In verse 19 you find this phrase the owner came to “settle accounts with them.”  Those receiving the talents answered back with how responsible they were.  

    Before we look at the last two words it is worth noting that the word “required” is used in another place. Jesus said that “to whom much is given much is REQUIRED!” (Luke 12:48b) What a challenge!!

    The level of expectation in being responsible as a steward is FOUND FAITHFUL. One of the best ways to get the full understanding of “found faithful” is to look at what the opposite would be. One would be found unfaithful. One would be unreliable. One would be irresponsible. It is dropping the ball. It is failing to finish.

    To be faithful is to follow through and manage well what was entrusted to you. When this happens you are able to hear from the Lord, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant;” Matthew 25:21 and 23.

    To be FOUND FAITHFUL is to FINISH.  As Paul stated in 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

    To be FOUND FAITHFUL should be the goal of each believer.

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Corinthians 4:2. It says, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

    BTW – From this verse comes my personal mission statement: I want to be found faithful in fulfilling my God-given responsibilities. 

    Continue Strong being FAITHFUL with what God has entrusted to you.
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Our verse to DATE the Word on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Thessalonians 4:1
    1 Thessalonians 4:1 says, “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk (live) and to please God.“
    Making daily decisions that PLEASE GOD

    As we make daily decisions, we need a FILTER. One of the most vital filters for our decision-making is the question WILL THIS PLEASE GOD? While there is peer pressure to please a friend and/or family pressure to please a parent or grandparent or a spouse, maybe to please a boss and even personal pressure to please oneself the top question remains does the action you are getting ready to do PLEASE GOD? Earlier in my walk with God, I had a poster that read, “If you please God it does not matter who you displease and if you displease God it does not matter who you please.” 

    Our verse to DATE has the Apostle Paul PLEADING that we ABOUND – INCREASE – GROW in PLEASING GOD.  Hear his passionate appeal in the words we URGE and we EXHORT.  

    This idea of living to PLEASE GOD is reinforced by several other SCRIPTURES. 
    2 Corinthians 5:9 as it says, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. 

    In Colossians 1:10 Paul prayed for the Colossians to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.

    In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Paul said that he himself lived to please God. “But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.”

    2 Timothy 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 

    What does it look like to please the Lord? Scripture gives two significant things:
    1) live by FAITH. Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please God without faith. Heb. 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” 
    2) we OBEY what He says. 1 John 3:22 says, “We keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

    Is it your ambition in life to PLEASE GOD? Are you ABOUNDING in PLEASING GOD?  

    Verse to DATE on April 1 (4/1) is 1 Thessalonians 4:1.  It says, “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God.”

    “If you please God it does not matter who you displease and if you displease God it does not matter who you please.” 

    Continue Strong pleasing God,
    And remember to DATE THE WORD
  • Verse to DATE the Word on March 31 (3/31) is Judges 3:31

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 31 (3/31) is Judges 3:31

    Our verse to DATE the Word on March 31 (3/31) is Judges 3:31
    Judges 3:31 says, “After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel”

     
    The Unconventional Warrior

    Whether I like it or not and whether you like it or not we are PRONE to COMPARE ourselves to others and in doing so we FIND EXCUSES for WHY WE CAN’T DO SOMETHING FOR GOD!  I don’t know if you have had the experience of the devil whispering in your ear that you should not do something for God because…. The devil’s “because” reasons are numerous, are they not? He likes to remind us of WHO WE ARE NOT.  It could be that you did not come from a Christian home and he tells you that you can’t do something for God because you don’t have the right background.  It could be that you don’t have the right education and the devil likes to remind you that you DON’T know enough to represent God. Our adversary likes to help us drum up excuses for WHY WE CAN’T DO SOMETHING FOR GOD!  

    Well for those times when you are feeling impressed to do something for God, but the devil is trying to convince you that you don’t have what it takes you need to REMEMBER SHAMGAR the UNCONVENTIONAL WARRIOR!  

    You do remember Shamgar, don’t you? He is listed in the book of Judges in chapter 3  I am sure you remember him because after all there is so much written about him IN JUST ONE VERSE. I was sure you would remember him because of who his parents were. You know Anath? Probably not. Then of course, you do remember him in the list of all the judges of Israel, like Gideon and Samson? You are probably scratching your head now as you can’t remember if you saw his name in the list of judges or not.  

    I like Shamgar and I like him because of all the people in the Bible who DID DO GREAT THINGS for God he is so unlikely to have done anything. He is so ordinary that he exemplifies ordinary. He does not have a family legacy or family connections. He may not even be an Israelite. He surely does not possess the tools for warfare. We should question, respectfully, his intelligence in deciding to take on 600 Philistines by himself. What word describes a person who decides to take on 600 warriors by himself?  ??? 

    Shamgar may have been ordinary and he may have had the devil whisper in his ear all the reasons WHY HE COULD NOT DO SOMETHING FOR GOD but he decided to take action. Notice three actions he took as I believe they are three actions you should take to make a difference for God.

    #1. He STARTED WHERE HE WAS. You should start where you are. Bloom where you are planted.
    #2. He USED WHAT HE HAD. Shamgar did not have the best weapons, but he did have an ox goad. Use what you have. It is amazing how God does not need you to have the most expensive and most up-to-date and the shiniest to accomplish great things. David had a slingshot. Moses had a rod. Elijah had a mantle.  
    #3. He DID WHAT HE COULD. He started fighting and killing the Philistines. He got off the sidelines and into the game and did what he could. Do what you can. Step up and get started doing what you can!

    Shamgar may only have a little written about him, but he sure did a lot! His unconventional means brought about a great deliverance for ISRAEL!   

    You, too, can make a difference!  Be like Shamgar!  Start where you are, Use what you have and Do what you can!

    Verse to DATE the Word on March 31 (3/31) is Judges 3:31. It says, “After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.”

    Continue Strong DOING WHAT YOU CAN!
    And remember to DATE the Word