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  • Write and Place Verses To Be Seen!

    Deuteronomy 6:9 “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

    A summation of Deuteronomy 6:9 is the Israelites were to write verses and put them where they are easily seen to be read and remembered.  The practical application for us today is to have posters or plaques or pictures with verses on them hanging on various walls in our home and/or office so that they are easily seen to be read and remembered.

    This concept for learning God’s Word is also conveyed by Solomon in Proverbs 7. Proverbs 7:1 reads, “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; 2 keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; 3 bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.”

    For what it is worth I will tell you that one of the best ways I have for writing (hiding) God’s Word in my heart is to write it out on an index card and then place the index card in a place where I can see it repeatedly during the day.  

    Now for personal application, how are you placing Bible verses so they can easily be seen so you can read them to be reminded of God’s Word?   

    Do a personal inventory of your home and see how much scripture you see.  And after the inventory you might want to do some shopping.  

    Saturating your house with Scripture is a good way to saturate your heart with Scripture.

    Two really good verses to have before your eyes are:
    Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
    Nehemiah 6:9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.”   (You don’t have to pray a lot to have prayed a lot.)

    Continue Strong Keeping Scriptures Where You Can See Them To Remember Them,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Availability Is The First Ability

    Isaiah 6:8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.””

    The prophet Isaiah is having one of the greatest moments any human being could ever experience as he is seeing the Lord and as he sees Him high and lifted up he hears angels crying Holy Holy Holy.  That moment brings about the realization of his sin (the closer one gets to God the more evident their sin becomes) leading to a brokenness over his sin that brings about confession to the Lord and then cleansing from the Lord!  What a moment!  What a beautiful moment!!! 

    From seeing the Lord, Isaiah now hears the Lord, hearing the Lord’s heart – hearing the Lord’s need – hearing the Lord’s request of whom shall I send and who will go for us?  As Isaiah hears the request, he responds with one of the greatest responses one can make to God as he says, “Here am I! Send me!”

    May I ask you a very personal question?  Have those 5 words ever crossed your lips to the ears of God? Have you made yourself available to God for God to be used by God?  Have you said to God I am available for whatever He wants, to use me however He wants, wherever He wants, and whenever He wants?  Has there been a time of total surrender of your life, and you said, “HERE I AM! SEND ME??

    Today may the words “Here I am! Send me!” come from your heart across your lips to the heart of God!

    And remember that while dependability is the greatest ability, availability is the first ability!

    Continue Strong being available to the Lord,
    And remember to DATE the Word

    Other verses to consider for June 8 are
    Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
    Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
    Romans 6:8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
    1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

  • You Better Learn The Law Of Sowing And Reaping! 

    Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

    I am not sure the impact of what you just read from Galatians 6:7 is having one you, but I hope that the opening words grabbed your attention. I see Galatian 6:7 as one of those in your face verses and the opening words of “Do not be deceived” are written to get your full attention as something life-changing is getting ready to be revealed.   Are you awake?  Are you alert? Are you paying attention? The fact that you are being challenged to not be deceived should be telling you that you are entering a battle for your mind as Satan is ready to whisper that you are not going to be hearing the truth. 

    Does God have your attention?  Just in case He does not Paul gives another in your face statement with God is not mocked.  Now with two in-your-face statements to grab your attention the Apostle Paul gives what I consider to be one of the most important life principles a person can learn as he states, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

    Pay attention: “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap!!!”

    Friends, you better learn the laws of sowing and reaping. Actions have consequences.  Don’t be deceived!  Choices have consequences. God is not mocked!  Just as one would plant seeds and after a time receive a harvest the actions you take bring forth a harvest.  If you sow good actions, there will be good and positive consequences but if you sow bad actions tough consequences will soon come your way. 

    You are what you sow!  Not sure who wrote this but you should learn it:
    Sow a thought – reap an action;
    Sow an action – reap a habit;
    Sow a habit – reap a character;
    Sow a character – reap a destiny.

    A mark of maturity is when a person realizes the truth of Galatians 6:7 that whatsoever you sow you also will reap!

    Laws of sowing and reaping include: 
    You reap only after you sow; 
    whatever you sow that will you also reap;
    and you will also reap more than you sow! 

    Other verses to consider on June 7 are 
    *Deuteronomy 6:7 “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
    Remember that you read God’s Word for you and for others!
    *1 Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
    At a very wealthy man’s burial, the funeral director overheard the question “Wonder how much he left behind?” The funeral director politely injected, “He left it all behind!!” There are no u-hauls hooked to hearses!!!

    Continue Strong Sowing Carefully,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Learning Diligence From An Ant!

    Proverbs 6:6 “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,”

    One cannot read through the book of Proverbs without noticing that King Solomon has a major problem with those who are lazy.  There are close to 20 verses to address the lazy, the sluggard, the idle, and the slothful. To the ones who are lazy and sluggards, he will be very direct and challenge them to change their behavior!  There will be no compliments for being lazy!   On the other hand, there are those who work hard and are diligent.  They are responsible with responsibilities.  They will be commended and complimented.  He will call them wise!  

    Solomon says, “Diligence is a man’s precious possession.”

    While Solomon conveys his displeasure with the lazy and the sluggard, he also looks for ways to teach a strong work ethic to those who are lazy, to the one who is a sluggard.  To teach the sluggard Solomon sees the work ethic of the ants and makes the ant an example that the sluggard should emulate. 

    Can you picture Solomon seeing ants in his yard or in a field?  He sees those ants working!  They do not have an overseer, yet they are diligently working to gather into their storehouse food for future use.  As he is watching them work, he calls on the sluggard, the lazy, to look at them and learn! 

    Have you considered ants?   Just as Jesus told us to consider the birds so we might not worry, Solomon tells us to consider the ants so that we might learn to work!  

    As you dive into your responsibilities today what is the ant teaching you?  

    Also, Solomon gained much wisdom from taking the time to observe a variety of animals.   When looking to convey life lessons of the highest order he went to four animals that most likely would not make our top list when thinking about lessons to learn from animals.  However, he saw four small animals and called them exceedingly wise.  Do you recall?  Proverbs 30:24 There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: 25  The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer;  26 The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags; 27  The locusts have no king, Yet they all advance in ranks; 28  The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, And it is in kings’ palaces.”

    Why are these four animals so wise, so exceedingly wise?  The ants value preparation. The Rock Badgers value protection.  The locusts value cooperation.  The spider values imagination.  

    Continue Strong With A Strong Work Ethic Like An Ant,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Getting Close to God Reveals Our Sinfulness

    Isaiah 6:5 “So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.”

    Isaiah 6 is one of the great chapters of the Bible.  In this chapter, Isaiah sees the Lord who is high and lifted up and he hears that He is Holy.  As a matter of fact, the angels cry out HOLY! HOLY! HOLY!  As Isaiah sees God and understands who God is, Isaiah now sees himself and “hears” what has been proceeding out of his mouth.  Seeing and understanding God for who He is causes Isaiah to see and understand who he is and what he sees about himself is not pretty.  The holiness of God has revealed just how unholy and unclean he is.  

    Principle: The closer you get to God the more evident your sins will become!  

    As Isaiah is overcome with how unclean he is he confesses to God that he is condemned and completely undone!  He knows his lips are unclean and that he is around people who have unclean lips and there is nothing he can do.  Seeing God for who He is has brought him to confess just how unclean he is!  

    With Isaiah’s realization of sin and confession of sin, God will now forgive and cleanse Isaiah. Verses 6 and 7 say, “Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7  And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.”

    When we read Isaiah 6:6-7 we can’t help but think of 1 John 1:9. It says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

    At this point, a few questions need to be asked.  Are you putting yourself in places where you can see the Lord for who He is so that you might truly understand who you are?   Are you in His Word so that the Word can be like a mirror to you and reveal things that need to be confessed?  Are you hearing the Word of God proclaimed so that you might know what God’s standards are? 

    The big question: Are you acknowledging that you are undone and unclean and confessing your sins to God so that you might be clean? 

    Earlier, I stated the principle of “the closer you get to God, the more evident your sins will become!”   Have you found this to be true?  

    Continue Strong Seeing The Lord For Who He Is So You Can See Who You Are,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Compliment Her! 

    Song of Solomon 6:4  “O my love, you are as beautiful as Tirzah, Lovely as Jerusalem, Awesome as an army with banners!”

    When it comes to June 4, we find there are several excellent verses. For instance, there is Daniel 6:4. It says, “So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.”
    There is Acts 6:4.It says, “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
    There is Ephesians 6:4.It says, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

    The verse that we have decided, however, on this June 4 is a verse that is very special to my wife and me as it is our anniversary verse.  On June 4, 1988, Donita and I were married and today concludes 36 years.  We both would be quick to say without hesitation that we have not had a perfect marriage but speaking for myself it has been one incredible adventure filled with more blessings than I could have imagined and more blessings than I deserve.   

    Looking at our verse, we see a key component of a marriage relationship as the husband speaks words, yes, words that are compliments.  It is worth noting what he is not saying here as he is not speaking words of complaints or criticism.  He compliments her.  Granted, his compliments seem strange to us, but quite frankly he has been very thoughtful in choosing the compliments.  More than roses are red violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you, Solomon has thought carefully of ways to let his wife know how incredible she is.  She is his love as his opening words are words of tenderness and assurance. Some versions say he called her “darling.”  

    He follows that by telling her she is beautiful.  This word is so powerful to a wife as there is the daily battle of insecurity.  And she is not just beautiful but beautiful as Tirzah.  Tirzah was considered one of the most beautiful cities in the northern part of Israel and had served and would again serve as a royal city.  For me, today, I would tell Donita she is as beautiful as Hong Kong at night for in all my travels I have never seen any city so beautiful.  

    He continues by telling her she is as lovely as Jerusalem.  Solomon had made Jerusalem the envy of the world.  He had built the temple for God, and he had built his palace.  When the queen of Sheba arrived in Jerusalem, she was overwhelmed by his wisdom and the beauty of the buildings.  His comparison of being as lovely as Jerusalem is a very high compliment.  

    And then he compares her to being as “awesome as an army with banners!”  Here he compliments her abilities for an Army with banners is demonstrating they know what they are doing.  It is an impressive sight to see a military parade as they march in formation.  In other words, Solomon is so impressed by his wife and her abilities. We might pause to consider what he wrote in Proverbs 31 about the virtuous woman and her abilities to multi-task!

    All this is to say that Song of Solomon 6:4 reveals a massive clue to a husband about what his wife wants/needs. Spoken compliments are essential.  Compliment her! I purchased a ring and had the Hebrew words of Song of Solomon 6:4 engraved on the inside for my awesome, beautiful wife!

    Continue Strong Choosing Compliments,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • The Holiness of God and Excellence

    Isaiah 6:3 “And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” 
    Daniel 6:3 “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” 

    No word separates God more from man than the word Holy. God is totally separated from sin. He is pure and perfect. Here the words of Holy Holy Holy are proclaimed not just as a description of God but as a praise to God. When Jesus taught how to pray He said to start with acknowledging who our Father is and offering adoration to Him with one statement.  He said pray, “Our Father who is heaven holy is your name.” Let us be mindful that in thinking about God we acknowledge He is holy first and foremost. And as you ponder just how holy God is I think you will find it to be very humbling for our God, who is holy, desires a close intimate relationship with us, even though we are sinful.  No wonder the song in heaven is Worthy is the Lamb to receive praise and adoration. 

    Another verse for June 3rd is Daniel 6:3

    As the new administration settled in they began looking for who would be in positions of authority. Daniel, now a much older man – maybe 80 – had handled his life with integrity. He is a cut above. His character is blameless. He is known for his excellent spirit.  Because of his exceptional qualities he is under immediate consideration as excellence opens doors.  (Recall Proverbs 22;29 “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”)

    What are you bringing to the table today with your life? Ruth was known as a virtuous woman; Job was an upright man; Daniel brought an excellent spirit! The apostle Paul brought a changed life! Paul told Timothy to bring an example to the table – to bring a life that was progressing! 

    What are you being known for?

    Continue Strong Pondering the Holiness of God and Pursuing Excellence.
    And remember to Date the Word

  • Respect For Others Starts With Respect For Parents

    Ephesians 6:2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:”

    The Apostle Paul gives God’s instructions for the family in the Book of Ephesians. He has given instructions to the husband and the wife in chapter 5 and now he is giving instructions to children. Children are to obey their parents. (Eph. 6:1) With that said the apostle Paul places the fifth commandment of the Ten Commandments (See Exodus 20:12 and Deut. 5:16) before his readers reminding them to “Honor your father and mother.”   

    For just a moment let us consider the fifth commandment.  The fifth commandment begins the section of the commandments that speak to our relationships with others and the first relationship we have is with our parents.

    With the 5th commandment, we see a special relationship of children with their father and their mother.  We then read of a specific requirement in which children are to honor both their father and their mother.  What does it mean to honor? To honor is to first and foremost show respect.  It is holding the parents in the highest esteem.  It gives them great value, leading the child to listen to the parent’s instructions and learn insights on living life!  Honoring a parent brings about a desire to bring delight and not disappoint!  (See Proverbs 23:24-25)

    A disobedient child brings disappointment.

    The verse then reminds us that the commandment comes with a sure reward as God blesses the child that obeys and honors their parent. It is worth noting that Proverbs tells of what may happen to the child who disobeys and dishonors their parent.  From Proverbs 30:17 we read (warning – it is not pretty), “The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.”  God is serious about children honoring their parents! 

    One final thought.  If children are not being taught to be respectful by a parent to be respectful of their parents, how can we expect children to be respectful in public?  A lack of respect for parental authority is going to bring about a lack of respect for public authority.  While the verse is addressed to children, it is incumbent that parents teach children to obey, to respect, and to honor their parents.  

    Question: If you are a parent receiving this devotional let me ask when was the last time you taught Ephesians 6:1-2 to your children? 

    God honors and blesses the home that honors and obeys Him!

    Continue Strong Implementing His Instructions For The Family,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Restoration Is Part Of God’s Plan With A Sinning Saint

    Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a person is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

    After a person comes to Christ, the possibility of being overtaken by a temptation continues. All have sinned before salvation, and all will sin after salvation. Sometimes the sinning saint realizes their sin and they confess it, but at other times they may need to be confronted, warned, and even rebuked, Our Bible has verses and passages that speak of how as well as why one is to be confronted. For instance, I Thessalonians 5:14 says, “warn the unruly.” From 2 Timothy 2:24-26 we learn, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will,” 1 Timothy 5:20 is straightforward and says, “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”

    Galatians 6:1 addresses what to do after rebuking and there is repentance and says there is to be restoration. The word ‘Restore” in Greek is a medical term for “setting the bone.” It is also used by fishermen for “mending a net.” The Christian that has been overcome by temptation is broken and needs mending. It takes loving patience – gentleness – as a doctor would have with a broken arm to help the person so they will grow and become stronger. 

    Interestingly the Apostle Paul adds a warning that as one does help with restoration, they do so with the full knowledge that what a person has done can be done by you. There is to be no attitude of superior holiness but a spirit of humility. 

    The apostle’s teaching here is challenging.  It takes a “spiritual” person to help a person acting unspiritual to start living right again.  It takes time for the mess of sinful actions to be cleaned up.  It takes time and wisdom to establish new boundaries and accountability so the wayward saint stays on the straight and narrow.  

    Restoration is part of God’s plan and it will take work by both the one being restored and the one(s) restoring!  

    Continue Strong Restoring The Repentant Saint,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Christ Is Exalted In Heaven And He Should Exalted In Our Hearts!

    Acts 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”

    As you read through the book of Acts you will find the apostles preaching four key things about Jesus Christ.  They preached about His crucifixion, His resurrection, His ascension, and His exaltation. For instance, as Peter preached on the day of Pentecost you will find in Acts 2:22, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, .. you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, (crucifixion) and put to death; 24 “whom God raised up, (resurrection) 33 Being therefore exalted (exaltation) at the right hand of God (ascension),…34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

    As you can see, one of the key points of the Apostle Peter’s Day of Pentecost message was the exaltation of Christ.  In our verse, Acts 5:31, he again includes with the crucifixion and resurrection the exaltation of Christ.  Notice starting at Acts 5:30, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”

    The Apostle Paul would later write not only about His crucifixion but also His exaltation as he wrote to the Philippians in Philippians 2:6-11: “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  8  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

    What does the knowledge of Jesus Christ loving you so much that He becomes obedient unto death, dying for you do for you? 

    What does the knowledge that He conquered the grave by rising from the dead do for you?

    What does the knowledge that He is offering to you and every other filthy, ungodly, unrighteous, wicked, evil person the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life do for you? 

    I trust that there is within your heart a desire to exalt Him!  From our hearts we should be crying out worthy is the Lamb!

    Let us put into action Psalm 34:3 “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.”

    If heaven has exalted Him then we should surely exalt Him in our hearts!

    Continue Strong Exalting Our Savior!
    And remember to DATE the Word