WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24, 2014

SEEKING GOD (1)
‘Wise men…came…saying, “Where is He…?”’ Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV

Notice two things about the wise men: 1) Who they were. Astrologers. Jews considered astrology to be a counterfeit to true prophecy. Be careful; there are people whose lifestyles you may disapprove of, who are honestly seeking God. So be gracious in your dealings with them. The Greek philosophers on Mars Hill had a pantheon of gods. Was Paul shocked or put off? No. He commended them for being willing to search for God, adding, ‘He is not far from each one of us’ (Acts 17:27 NKJV). Don’t jump to conclusions and write people off. In God’s eyes every weed is a potential rose and every loser is a potential winner. And you should be glad about that! 2) How far they travelled. They left their families and the comforts of home to travel hundreds of miles in order to find God. Their round-trip journey took two years, and ended in a Jewish village where they were cultural outcasts. Meanwhile, leaders who had access to the prophecies of Christ’s birth wouldn’t expend the time and effort to check them out. We often quote Jeremiah chapter 29, verse 11: ‘“The plans I have for you,’’ says the Lord… “are plans for good…to give you a future and a hope.”’ But don’t stop there, read on: ‘When you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me’ (vv. 12-13 NLT). Poet Julie Carro wrote, ‘Now wise men still seek His face as they did in days of old; to give the Lord their hearts, more precious than silver and gold.’ How far are you prepared to go in your search for God?


Job 24-28, John 1: 6-18,, Psalm 113, Ecclesiastes 10: 10-14.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2014

BROKENNESS

‘Not My will, but Yours be done.’ Luke 22:42 NIV

If your goal is to be used by God, don’t be surprised when He permits seasons of adversity and brokenness. Jesus experienced it, and He said, ‘A servant is not greater than his master’ (John 15:20 NKJV). One Bible teacher points out: ‘God’s intent isn’t to hurt us, but to expand our capacity to carry His love to a world in need of compassion…Sorrow clarifies our thinking. In the school of Christ, brokenness is a good thing. It’s impossible to become intimate with God unless we’re broken of independence, pride and our insistence that our way is better than God’s. Brokenness is the last stop before we finally confess, ‘‘I can’t; God can.’’ It’s Paul confessing, ‘‘What a wretched man I am. Who will rescue me from this body of death?’’ (Romans 7:24 NIV). It’s the Prodigal fighting with the pigs over food (Luke 15:11-32). It’s Joseph, still in prison, forgotten by the cupbearer (Genesis 40:23). It’s Jonah in the whale’s belly confessing the consequences of running from God (Jonah 2:1-9). It’s Peter weeping bitterly outside Jesus’ trial (Luke 22:62). It’s Jesus abandoning everything to God, praying, ‘‘Father…not My will, but Yours be done’’ (Luke 22:42 NIV)…God in His ruthless, loving pursuit will break us of pride, sin, folly and independence (Matthew 21:44). Like Jesus serving bread at the Last Supper, God takes us, breaks us, blesses us and uses us.’ Are you going through a season of brokenness? Be encouraged; in God’s kingdom brokenness is the path to blessing. Watchman Nee put it this way: ‘To have God do His own work through us, even once, is better than a lifetime of human striving.’

Job 21-23, Lk 2: 1-7, Psalm 128, Ecclesiaste 10: 5-9.

MONDAY DECEMBER 22, 2014.

STOP FIGHTING IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH

‘We do not wage war as the world does.’ 2 Corinthians 10:3 NIV

During World War II, Allied bombers carried machine guns in the nose, under the belly, on top, and in the rear. B-17s, better known as ‘flying fortresses’, carried thirteen .50 calibre machine guns. At one point scientists suggested the planes might actually be safer without them. Without the extra weight needed to operate the guns, they could fly faster and higher, increasing their odds of survival. The pilots, however, thought differently. They wouldn’t even consider embarking on a mission without guns to shoot back and defend themselves. With that thought in mind, Jon Walker says: ‘We make the same choice when it comes to fighting our own battles.’ God says we don’t need the guns…we can soar higher and faster with Him. ‘For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.’ The weapons He gives ‘have divine power to demolish strongholds’; we don’t need the ‘weapons of the world’ (2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV). But we say ‘No thanks’; we have to shoot back and defend ourselves with arsenals of angry words, demanding attitudes, manipulative manoeuvres, excessive excuses, and bombs of blame. It takes courage to stop using weapons of the flesh, ‘take up the shield of faith’, and arm ourselves with the weapons of God (Ephesians 6:16 NIV). It’s the kind of faith David showed when he [told] Goliath, ‘You come against me with sword and spear…but I come against you in the name of the Lord’ (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV). Stop fighting in your own strength and let God’s spiritual arsenal defend you; ‘He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him’ (Proverbs 30:5 NIV).

Daniel 11-12, Mt 9: 14-26, Psalm 89: 38-52, Proverb 3: 1-2.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 21, 2014.

SPIRITUAL ADVENTURES

‘God…will never give up on you.’ 1 Corinthians 1:9 TM

Think being a Christian isn’t exciting? Check out these headlines. Man in desert discovers burning bush that can’t be extinguished. Sea opens and thousands walk through on dry land. Giant who threatened a nation killed by teen with slingshot. Jewish girl saves her people from destruction. Three young rebels survive blazing furnace. Man brought back from the dead after four days. City walls mysteriously fall. Preacher swallowed by giant fish and lives to tell the tale. Prophet caught up to heaven in a fiery chariot. These aren’t from the tabloids; they’re from Scripture. Adventure means ‘exciting and dangerous undertakings’. When you embark on the spiritual adventure Paul mentions, you can expect God to test your faith in ways you never imagined. The Bible talks about those ‘who through faith conquered kingdoms…shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength’ (Hebrews 11:33-34 NIV). John Eldredge says: ‘Adventure, with all its requisite danger and wildness, is a deeply spiritual longing written into the soul of man…Moses doesn’t encounter the living God at the shopping centre. He finds him in the deserts of Sinai…Deep in a man’s heart are fundamental questions that cannot be answered at the kitchen table…it’s fear that keeps [him] at home where things are neat and orderly and under his control.’ When God wants to do something wonderful through you, He has to get you from where you are to where He is. How about it: Are you ready to embark on a spiritual adventure with God?

Job 18-20, Mt 1: 1-17, Psalm 47, Ecclesiaste 10: 1-4.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 20, 2014
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WORDS OR ACTIONS?

‘Let us not love with words…but…actions.’ 1 John 3:18 NIV

We must care about people’s spiritual and practical needs. It’s hard for someone to grasp the concept of God’s love when they don’t know where their next meal is coming from, or where they’ll sleep tonight. Food banks worldwide are seeing a dramatic upsurge in emergency requests. Volunteer Cindy Crosby writes: ‘Each client is as different as the patterns in a kaleidoscope: the retired, the mentally ill, single mothers, young men fallen on hard times…And not everyone is grateful. Some are angry…some refuse eye contact…some leave without saying more than a few words…If you volunteer just to feel good about yourself, you’ll give up. Lofty ideals shatter like stained glass pelted by rocks…It’s the success stories that stick…The refugee mother whose son went on to Harvard on a scholarship…the woman who thanked me more times than I could count…the mother of six who showed palpable relief because that month she could feed her family…I remember Jesus’ words, ‘‘I was hungry…you gave me something to eat…I was a stranger…you invited me in’’ (Matthew 25:35 NIV). Now when I think of hunger, I see faces. And that has made all the difference.’ It’s easier to love in theory than reality, especially when it comes to people who are difficult or different. But genuine love isn’t defined by what feels good or bad; God’s already set the standard. ‘If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?…Let us not love with words…but…actions’ (1 John 3:17-18 NIV).

Job 15-17, Lk 1: 67-80, Psalm 12, Ecclesiaste 9: 10-12.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 19, 2014.
"MIND MANAGEMENT (4)"

‘Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself.’ Romans 12:3 PHPS

Here are two more examples of mind management. A thought knocks on the door of your mind and says, ‘You’re so wonderful, the world is lucky to have you.’ Typically it’s the kind of thought you’d welcome, but you don’t do things the typical way. You submit it to the authority of Christ, and as you unsheathe the Sword of the Spirit, His Word, you learn that pride doesn’t please God. ‘Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself.’ As much as you’d like to embrace an exalted image of yourself, you can’t. You only allow what Christ allows. Here’s another example: this time it’s temptation. If you’re a male, the thought comes in a low-cut red dress. If you’re a female, it comes in the form of the hunk you’ve always admired. Temptation whispers, ‘It’s all right, you’re both consenting adults.’ If you aren’t under Christ’s authority you throw open the door, but if you are you say, ‘Not so fast.’ Then you take this steamy thought before Jesus and ask, ‘Yes or no?’ And nowhere does He answer more clearly than 1 Corinthians 6 & 7: ‘We must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever…Is it a good thing to have sexual relations? Certainly—but only within a certain context. It’s good for a man to have a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong, but marriage is strong enough to contain them’ (1 Corinthians 6:15-16; 7:1-3 TM). Now, armed with the opinion of Christ and the Sword of the Spirit, what do you do? Unless the tempter or temptress is your spouse—you slam the door shut. End of story!

Job 11-14, Lk 1: 57-66, Psalm 67, Ecclesiates 7: 19-22.

Have I wish you guys merry xmas ? Better late than never !

Merry christmas and prosperous new year in advance ! May Christ's light ,who is the reason for the season shines in our lives ,and may we experience a closer walk with Him in the coming year .....

TUESDAY DECEMBER 16, 2014.

MIND MANAGEMENT (1)

‘Above all else, guard your heart.’ Proverbs 4:23 NIV

We hear a lot these days about time management, financial management and weight management—but what about mind management? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about managing our minds than managing anything else? Jesus was. He guarded the gateway of His heart by refusing to concede in three areas: 1) The agenda of people who wanted to use Him for their own purposes. ‘Jesus saw that in their enthusiasm, they were about to grab Him and make Him king, so He slipped off and went back up the mountain to be by Himself’ (John 6:15 TM). Most of us would delight in the idea of becoming ‘king’. Even if we refused the crown, we’d enjoy considering the invitation! Not Jesus. 2) The naïveté of those who wanted to spare Him. When Jesus announced His death on the cross to the disciples, Peter objected. And when he failed to see the necessity of the cross, Jesus issued one of His harshest rebukes: ‘Get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works’ (Matthew 16:23 TM). 3) The scorn of those who didn’t know Him or believe in Him. Before raising a girl from the dead, Jesus said to the people in the house, ‘She is only sleeping’ (Luke 8:52 GNT). And what was their response? They laughed at Him. Like all of us, Jesus had to face scorn. But unlike most of us, He refused to accept it. Note His response: ‘He put them all outside’ (Mark 5:40 RSV). Doubt, criticism and scorn weren’t allowed in the girl’s house—or in the mind of Christ. How about your mind?


Job 1-4, Luke 1: 1-25, Psalm 105: 23-36, Ecclesiastes 7: 5-8.

MONDAY DECEMBER 15, 2014.

HOOKED TOGETHER!

‘All of you together are the temple.’ 1 Corinthians 3:16 NLT

A little boy was playing outside when a neighbour asked him where his brother was. ‘In the house,’ he replied. ‘We were playing a duet on the piano—but I finished first!’ That wasn’t what God intended when He called us to work together! It’s not a competition. In Bible days Roman soldiers’ shields were designed so they could literally be hooked together. Each man fought for his entire line. Paul lists the people he was hooked to; he called them his ‘fellow workers’ (Romans 16:3 NKJV). Speaking to the church, he wrote, ‘All of you together are the temple of God…Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ’ (1 Corinthians 3:16,
22-23 NLT). Notice: 1) Only together do we have everything we need. 2) It’s about whom we belong to, not what belongs to us. Experts say we need to hear something at least seven times before it registers. And this is particularly true when it comes to acknowledging our character defects or flaws in our plans. Dr John Maxwell writes: ‘After a period of frustration, I humbled myself and asked for advice. They told me things I didn’t want to hear. But I needed to learn to listen. And I learned to pay attention to things that struck a sensitive chord within me; it was often a signal that it was something I needed to improve. The things that upset me most, or that I resisted most, were usually what I needed to work on most. And if I gave myself time to reflect on what I was told and seek improvement, I usually improved dramatically.’ Don’t be defensive; learn from the people you’re hooked to!

Luke 1: 26-56, Luke 2: 1-40, Luke 2: 41-52, John 2: 1-12.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 14, 2014.

FINISHING STRONG

‘I must be about My Father’s business.’ Luke 2:49 NKJV

If the word ‘quit’ is part of your vocabulary, chances are that the word ‘finish’ isn’t. Finishing means staying on the job until it’s done. It’s about accountability and action, because even when you’re on the right track you’ll get run over if you just sit there. High achievers will tell you that life takes on meaning when you take responsibility for your actions and pursue your goals with purpose and passion. Nothing compares to ‘the rush’ of crossing the finish line. The fact is, nobody remembers who finished second, except the guy who finished second! Co-authors B.J. Gallagher and Steve Ventura said the ten most important words in finishing strong are: ‘I won’t wait for others to take the first step.’ The nine most important: ‘If it is to be, it’s up to me.’ Eight: ‘If not me, who? If not now, when?’ Seven: ‘Let me have a go at it.’ Six: ‘I will not pass the buck.’ Five: ‘You can count on me.’ Four: ‘It IS my job.’ Three: ‘Just do it!’ Two: ‘I will.’ And the most important word: ‘Me.’ Jesus was the greatest finisher of all time. At age twelve, He told His parents, ‘I must be about My Father’s business.’ Later He told His disciples, ‘I must work the works of Him who sent Me’ (John 9:4 NKJV). Facing the cross, He said, ‘For this cause I was born’ (John 18:37 NKJV). And just before He died, He said, ‘It is finished!’ (John 19:30 NIV). Then, having earned the right to become our advocate with God, He went back to heaven and ‘sat down’ (Hebrews 10:12). Mission accomplished! So focus on finishing strong!

Esther 5-10, John 21: 1-25, Psalm 18: 1-29, Proverbs 26

SATURDAY DECEMBER 13, 2014.

BE A FINISHER

‘I have finished the work You gave Me.’ John 17:4 GNT

Unfinished business drains your energy without you even realising it. William James said, ‘There is nothing so fatiguing as an uncompleted task.’ And the Internet has made the problem worse, because now you get more ‘messages’ in one day than you used to get in a month. When you don’t focus on something, you don’t finish it. So you end up frustrated, feeling like ‘nothing is getting done’. If you don’t take control of your time, the most forceful people and most urgent situations in your life will. Before Christ picked His twelve disciples or calmed the storm on Galilee, He spent all night in prayer. ‘He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone’
(John 6:15 NKJV). Note the word ‘again’. Jesus regularly retreated from the pressures of the crowd in order to determine His priorities. Mac Anderson says: ‘Something magical happens when we accept personal responsibility for our behaviour and results. But it’s easy…it’s human nature to ‘pass the buck’. As I’ve become older (and wiser), when things go wrong…I can always find the culprit…in the mirror. In every instance it comes back to choices I’ve made that put me exactly where I am today. Adopting an attitude of personal accountability means you’ve more control over your destiny…you become a contributor instead of a passive observer…others look to you for leadership…you gain a reputation as a problem solver…You experience the satisfaction that comes from getting things done…there’s less anger, frustration and helplessness, which in turn leads to better physical health…There’s a positive spillover into your personal and spiritual life. Sometimes winning isn’t about finishing first, it’s about finishing— full stop!’

Esther 1-4, John 20: 19-31, Psalm 105: 8-22, Ecclesiastes 7: 1-4

FRIDAY DECEMBER 12, 2014

TRADE-OFFS (2)

‘Hard work brings a profit.’ Proverbs 14:23 NIV

As you climb higher and accumulate more, you’ll discover that it’s harder to let go of what you’ve worked for. That’s why so many of us climb part-way up the mountain of our potential, and stop. We’re unwilling to give up what we have, in order to obtain the next thing. And as a result we stall—sometimes permanently! You must be willing to make concessions, like trading: 1) What’s acceptable for what’s excellent. People don’t pay for average. They’re not impressed by anything that’s merely acceptable. If it’s worth doing, give it your best or don’t do it at all. Solomon writes, ‘Hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.’ If you want to shine, you’ve got to ‘burn the midnight oil’. 2) The first half for the second half. In his book Halftime, Bob Buford says most people who are successful in the first half of their life often try to live the second half in the same way. And that’s a mistake. If you’re in the second half, you’ve probably spent much of your time paying the price for success. Don’t waste it. Move from success to significance. Do things that will live on after you are gone. Don’t just leave a will, leave a legacy. 3) Your work for God for your walk with God. No matter how much value your work has, it can’t compare to having a relationship with God. One of the great traps of ministry is working for God, but not spending enough time with Him. Make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Gen 50 Haggai 1-2, John 20: 1-18, Psalm 105: 1-7, Ecclesiastes 5: 13-16.

Alwaystrue ,quite a while .......Odunharry ,success in ur exams in Jesus name

When passion and physical beauty fade, your shared love for Christ will sustain you through the storms of life.....

"I love my wife and she loves me " is not gonna be enough when your marriage comes under the attack of the enemy but the grace of Christ and the power of His might are what will sustain your marriage during those perilous times !

Sunday December 7, 2014

FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE (5)

‘Many waters cannot quench love.’ Song of Solomon 8:7 NIV

You quickly discover that the greatest threat to marriage is—selfishness! A mother was trying to explain to her little son the benefits of unselfishness. She concluded her talk by saying, ‘We’re in this world to help others.’ After due consideration the boy asked, ‘Well then, what are others here for?’ When two people put their own individual needs and wants first, they’re on a collision course. Let’s look at some examples of selfishness in marriage: a) In-laws. It’s a sign of selfishness and immaturity when you constantly harp about what your parents said, and how they did things. It’s unfair to your spouse and it’ll hurt your relationship. b) Pornography. The Psalmist wrote, ‘I refuse…to look at corrupting people and degrading things’ (Psalms 101:3 TM). Pornography is as addictive as heroin and untold numbers of marriages are shipwrecked by it. Not only does it leave you feeling ashamed, it can devastate your partner’s self-worth. c) Disagreements. Don’t be like the woman who told her friend, ‘We’ve been married for twenty years and never quarrelled once. If a difference of opinion arises and I’m right, my husband gives in.’ Her friend asked, ‘And what if he’s right?’ Without hesitating she replied, ‘That has never happened!’ d) Prayerlessness. Ninety per cent of Christian couples don’t read the Bible and pray together. Do you? If Christ is the most important thing in your lives, He should be the thing you most enjoy sharing. When passion and physical beauty fade, your shared love for Christ will sustain you through the storms of life. So fight for your marriage.

Saturday December 6, 2014

FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE (4)

‘They will be won over by observing your…lives.’ 1 Peter 3:1-2 NLT

A shared faith is the glue that will hold your marriage together in times of trouble. But when one spouse is an unbeliever, it can be difficult for the other. Concerning marriage, Jesus said, ‘What…God hath joined together, let not man put asunder’ (Matthew 19:6 KJV). Notice the words, ‘What God hath joined together.’ Any relationship God puts together can go the distance. Speaking about a wife whose husband has died, Paul writes, ‘She is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 7:39 NLT). When your spouse doesn’t share your faith, you can find yourselves tugging on opposite ends of the rope. Paul asks, ‘How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?’ (1 Corinthians 6:15 NLT). The old country preacher put it bluntly: ‘Any time a child of God marries a child of the devil, they’re going to have trouble with their father-in-law!’ Now, that doesn’t mean you should love your unbelieving partner less. Actually, it means you should love them more! Speaking of unbelieving spouses, Peter writes, ‘Even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your…lives.’ There’s preventative medicine and there’s corrective medicine. When Paul says not to marry an unbeliever, he’s using preventative medicine. When Peter speaks about living with an unbeliever and winning them to Christ through your love and your lifestyle, he’s using corrective medicine. At the end of the day, there’s only one thing that’s guaranteed to work: ‘Love never fails’ (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV). So fight for your marriage!

Genesis 37-39, John 17: 1-26, Psalm 147: 1-11, Ecclesiastes 3: 5-8.

Friday December 5, 2014

FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE (3)

‘Marriage should be honoured…for God will judge the adulterer and…the…immoral.’
Hebrews 13:4 NIV

Clara Null says: ‘My Sunday school class was learning the Ten Commandments. When we got to ‘‘Thou shalt not commit adultery’’, I wondered if I’d have to explain it. Sure enough, a seven-year-old girl raised her hand and asked, ‘‘What does commit mean?’’’ Seriously, if you live by impulse instead of commitment, your marriage will suffer. The word ‘commitment’ is best described in your wedding vows. Remember those? ‘Will you have this woman (or man) to be your lawful wedded wife (or husband)…to live together in God’s holy ordinance of marriage…to be faithful…in good times and bad, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, remain faithful to her (or him)?’ That’s what you said before God! A big hotel displayed this sign on its bulletin board for passing motorists to read: ‘Have your next affair with us!’ That’s not so funny when you consider the ramifications! A prominent psychiatrist said, ‘I’ve counselled thousands of couples, and I’ve yet to meet my first happy adulterer.’ The results are always the same: shame, fear, loss, loneliness and depression. When you violate your own integrity, it’s hard to live in your own skin. Don’t be deceived by celebrities who hop from bed to bed. The secret to happiness in marriage isn’t finding the right person, it’s becoming the right person. The Bible says you’re supposed to care about the spiritual, emotional, material and sexual needs of your spouse. So start discussing these things. And if you find it difficult to talk about them, get help—your marriage is worth fighting for!


Genesis 35- 36, John 16: 19-33, Psalm 2, Ecclesiates 3: 1-4.

Thursday December 4, 2014

FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE (2)

‘The wise have wealth and luxury...’ Proverbs 21:20 NLT

One of the most common issues that cause marriages to fail is finances. There’s a nice story about an usher who passed the collection plate at a church wedding. When one of the guests objected, he said, ‘I understand how you feel, but the father of the bride needs the money.’ Seriously, the number-one reason for divorce these days is money. That’s interesting, because we have more money today than at any time in the past. So what’s the problem? In a nutshell, it’s our lifestyle. The more we have, the more we want, and the more we’re willing to go into debt to get it. When times are good that philosophy works, but in the last fifty years we’ve lived through ten recessions. For example, people who bought a home for £100,000, planning to sell it for £200,000 within a year or two, ended up losing everything because the housing market crashed. Imagine the stress that puts on a marriage! The strong endure; the weak don’t. We recently became reacquainted with a mostly forgotten word - frugality. It means buying only what you can afford. The Bible says, ‘In the house of the wise are stores…but a foolish man devours all he has’ (Proverbs 21:20). Financial experts now recommend keeping a minimum of six months’ living expenses in a ‘rainy day’ account. In the last decade we’ve gone through a major and painful correction. It taught us that the secret of happiness in marriage isn’t spending all you’ve got, but saving, and taking time to enjoy what you have.

Genesis 32-34, John 16: 1-18, Psalm 130, Proverb 31: 28-31.

Wednesday December 3, 2014

FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE (1)

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.’Psalms 127:1 NKJV

It’s easy to remember where and when you got married, but sometimes what escapes you is why. God created Eve because He knew Adam was lonely and incomplete. So if the purpose of marriage is closeness, the enemy of marriage is distance. But problems arise when you expect your spouse to meet every need you’ve got. Only God can do that! A man asked his friend, ‘How come you never got married?’ He replied, ‘Because I was looking for the ideal woman.’ ‘And you never found her?’ his friend asked. ‘Yes, of course, but just my luck—she was looking for the ideal man.’ Hello! The Bible says, ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her’ (Ephesians 5:25 NKJV). Can a marriage ever be perfect? No, but when two people make up their minds to give themselves fully to one another, they can come pretty close. In a survey of thousands of married couples, here are ten reasons why people said they were unhappy: 1) They didn’t think alike in many areas. 2) They had little insight into each other’s feelings. 3) They said hurtful things to one other. 4) They felt unloved. 5) They felt taken for granted. 6) They lacked someone to confide in. 7) Each spouse felt he or she was giving more than the other. They rarely complimented each other. 9) They desired more affection. 10) They couldn’t talk to each other. Now, since God performed the first marriage, talking to Him about yours would be a good place to start.


Genesis 30: 25- 31:55, John 15: 18-27, Psalm 65, Proverb 31: 25-27.

Tuesday December 2, 2014

WHEN GOD FEELS DISTANT

‘The Lord has hidden Himself…but I trust Him.’ Isaiah 8:17 GNT

Does God feel distant? Floyd McClung writes: ‘You wake up one morning and all your ‘‘spiritual feelings’’ are gone. You pray, but nothing happens. You rebuke the devil, but it doesn’t change anything. You go through spiritual exercises, have your friends pray for you, confess every sin you can imagine, then go around asking forgiveness of everyone you know. You fast; still nothing. You begin to wonder how long this spiritual gloom will last. It feels like your prayers bounce off the ceiling. In utter frustration you cry out: ‘‘What’s the matter with me?’’ This is a normal part of the testing and maturing of your friendship with God. We all go through it. It’s painful, but it’s absolutely vital to developing your faith. You see, God is always present, even when you are unaware of Him. His presence is too profound to be measured by intellect or emotion. He’s more concerned that you trust Him than that you feel Him. ‘‘Faith, not feelings, is what pleases God" (Hebrews 11:6). You ask, ‘‘So what can I do?’’ Isaiah answers, ‘‘The Lord has hidden Himself…but I trust Him.’’ Focus on God’s unchanging love and faithfulness. Cling to His promises. During times of spiritual dryness, rest on His Word, not your feelings. Realise that He’s taking you to a deeper level of maturity. Any friendship based strictly on emotion is shallow indeed. So don’t be troubled by trouble—God’s grace is still in full force! He’s with you even when you don’t feel Him.’ His word to you today is, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

Genesis 28: 1- 30: 24, John 15: 5-17, Psalm 14, Proverb 31: 22-24.

Monday December 1, 2014.

CHRIST-LIKE-NESS

‘We share in His sufferings…that we may also share in His glory. ’Romans 8:17 NIV

God’s number-one goal for you isn’t comfort, it’s Christ-like-ness! And to reach it you’ll have to undergo some of the same experiences that Jesus went through—like being misunderstood by your family, ridiculed by church members, rejected by the world, and disappointed by the people who say they love you. The Bible says we’ve been called to ‘share in his sufferings…that we may also share in his glory.’ So how do we do this? In three ways: 1) Stay focused on God’s plan, not your pain. ‘Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith’ (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT). Corrie ten Boom said, ‘If you look within, you’ll feel depressed, if you look without, you’ll be distressed, but if you look to Christ, you’ll be at rest.’ 2) Don’t give in to short-term thinking. Look at Jesus, ‘Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross’ (v. 2 NLT). Keep your eye on the finish line. You don’t get the trophy until the race is over, so make up your mind to ‘stay the course’ and finish strong. 3) Start praying the right way. When you understand that God’s objective is to make you more like Christ, you’ll start praying fewer ‘comfort me’ prayers and more ‘conform me’ ones. Instead of asking, ‘Why me, Lord?’ you’ll ask, ‘What do You want me to learn, Lord?’ James writes, ‘Let the process go on until…you have become men [and women] of mature character’ (James 1:4 PHPS). That’s how you become more Christ-like.

Luke 10: 38-42, John 11: 1-44, John 12: 1-3.

Great is thy faithfulness ,morning by morning ,new mercy we see ,all we have ,thy hands have provided ,great is thy faithfulness ,Lord unto to us ......God has been faithful to us since January to the end of November 2014 .

It is by the mercy of God that we are not consumed !

Sunday November 30,2014

INNER BEAUTY

‘He will give you the mighty inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit.’ Ephesians 3:16 TLB

A lady flew across the country to tell a talk show host how her husband had left her for another woman. The lady, who was young, vibrant and beautiful, pulled out a photograph and said, ‘Just look at her. He left me for that!’ The host concluded, ‘Sadly, we’ve been conditioned to think that ‘‘looks’’ are all-important, when, in fact, they’re not.’ Nevertheless we keep measuring, comparing, and beating ourselves up because we fall short. If you can’t enjoy who you are because of what you’re not, you’ll never be happy. Advertisers spend billions getting us to decorate a shell that’s in a losing battle with Mother Nature and Father Time—all in an effort to create what we think will attract others. And when it doesn’t work, we get depressed and wonder what went wrong. Of course, it’s important to look your best, but when you’re obsessed with your appearance you become superficial. And others lose respect for you because they discover that although the box is beautifully wrapped, it’s empty. If you want to know what ultimately wins hearts and attracts the right people, read these words: ‘I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love…And may you have the power to understand…how long, how high, and how deep His love [for you] is…Then you will be made complete’ (vv. 16-19 NLT). That’s the secret to inner beauty!

Genesis 25: 19- 27:46, John 14:26 - 15:4, Psalm 146, Proverbs 31: 18-21.

Saturday November 29,2014

CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRIENDS (2)

‘Two people are better off than one.’ Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT

Take the initiative. Don’t wait to be introduced. Say ‘hello’ and get the other person’s name. If you’re naturally shy, it can be hard taking the first step. But the chances are that the other person feels the same, and when you start talking you’ll find things in common. Take a risk. If you like somebody, go a little deeper and mention a small struggle, fear, or disappointment you’ve experienced. It’s called ‘manageable risk’ and it lets you gauge how the other person responds. If they’re caring and identify with what you’re saying, that’s a good sign. If they shut down, try to fix you or respond critically, it may be time to move on. Invite them to join you. If everything else works out, exchange ‘phone numbers and invite the other person for coffee or lunch. Then go for a second meeting and give it a little time; that way you’ll know if it’s a friendship worth developing. Find out where people go to spend time. There are lots of places to get to know new people, like church, the gym, school, a play group, or volunteer service. Be willing to leave your comfort zone and try new situations. Remember that God uses all kinds of friendships to fulfil His purpose. One prominent preacher says: ‘There are friends who were instrumental in my blessing, although they never embraced or affirmed me. These are the “Judas sector” that exists in the life of every child of God…the ones who cause you the most pain. They wound…and betray you, but through their betrayal God’s will can be executed in your life.’ Ask God for a friend, then go out and make one!

Genesis 24: 1- 25:18, John 14: 15-25, Psalm 118: 19-29, Proverbs 31: 14-17.

Friday November 28, 2014.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRIENDS (1)

‘Friends sharpen the minds of each other.’ Proverbs 27:17 CEV

Author Charlie ‘Tremendous’ Jones said, ‘You’re the same today as you’ll be in five years…except for the people with whom you associate and the books you read.’ When it comes to choosing friends, Dr. Charles Townsend says look for: 1) People who influence you to be the person God intended. ‘As iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other’ (Proverbs 27:17 CEV). Relationships are the tools God uses to do this. When you’re with somebody, ask yourself, ‘Do I like who I am when I’m around this person? Am I more open, loving and honest? Or do I not like what I see in myself?’ Choose people who make you a better person. 2) People who provide grace for the energy drain. When you’re empty you need to be refuelled physically, spiritually and relationally. So surround yourself with friends who will listen, encourage and be there for you. 3) People who let you be real. ‘A friend loveth at all times’ (Proverbs 17:17 KJV). The best relationships are those where you know you’re loved, you’re free to be yourself, you don’t have to put on an act and you can be honest about the difficult aspects of life. There’s comfort and normality in friendships where you can be authentic. 4) People who help you grow in faith. You need friends who encourage you to pray, read the Bible and help you to see the ‘big picture’ concerning what’s important in your life. Ephesians 4:16 talks about operating as a body: ‘All the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part does its own work to help the whole body grow and be strong with love’ (NCV). Don’t try to do it alone. Reach out to friends who’ll reach back.

Genesis 20-23, John 14: 1-14, Psalm 118: 10-18, Proverbs 31:10-13.

Thursday November 27, 2014.

SEEING THE HAND OF GOD IN IT

‘Friend, do what you came to do.’ Matthew 26:50 NCV

Jesus looked at Judas in Gethsemane and said, ‘Friend, do what you came to do.’ It’s hard to imagine what Jesus saw in Judas that made him worthy to be called ‘friend’. But Jesus sees something good in every bad situation. And it would help if we did the same. How? Again, Jesus gives us guidance. He didn’t place all the blame on Judas. He saw another force at work: ‘This is…the time when darkness rules’ (Luke 22:53 NCV). Judas wasn’t acting alone—and neither are your attackers. Paul says, ‘Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world’ (Ephesians 6:12 NCV). Those who attack and betray us are victims of a fallen world. We can’t place all the blame on them. Jesus found enough good in Judas to call him a friend, and He can help us do the same with those who hurt us. Even though Judas didn’t understand or intend to, he played a vital role in ushering Christ into His destiny. Of the 98 words Christ spoke at His arrest, 30 were about the purpose of God. ‘It must happen this way to bring about what the Scriptures say…“All these things have happened so that it will come about as the prophets wrote’’’ (Matthew 26:54-56 NCV). Jesus understood that His immediate struggle was part of a greater plan. He saw the hand of God at work in it. And if you pay attention, you’ll see His hand at work in your struggle too.


Genesis 17-19, John 13: 31-38, Psalm 118: 1-9, Proverbs 31: 6-9

Wednesday November 26, 2014.

SEIZE THE PRESENT

‘The Word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.’ Jonah 3:1 NIV

We spend too much of our lives in the junkyard of regret. We focus on what might have been, could have been and should have been. Maybe we think that by replaying it enough we can change the outcome. But we can’t. The only thing you can control is what you do in the present. The more you replay yesterday, the further you get from today’s opportunities. And the further you move from today’s opportunities, the tougher the road back becomes. Opportunities never look as good coming as they do going. And they wait for no one, so you need to be attentive and grab them. They come in many forms, and they can come from any direction. But one thing’s for certain: they can be seen and seized only in the present. Whatever has happened in your life, has happened. And since you can’t undo it no matter how hard you try, wipe the slate clean and go on to what’s next. We all make mistakes. Jonah’s mistake caused a storm that threatened the lives of everybody around him, and ended up taking him all the way to the bottom. But that’s not the end of his story: ‘From inside the fish Jonah prayed to…God…And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Then the Word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time’ (Jonah 2:1 & 10-3:1 NIV). He’s a God of second chances—and third, fourth, and fifth ones too! ‘They are new every morning’ (Lamentations 3:23 NIV). Today is a gift—that’s why it’s called ‘the present’. So repent of the past, seize the present and start living again!

Genesis 13-16, John 13: 18- 30, Psalm 114, Proverb 31: 1-5.

Tuesday November 25, 2014.

YOU’RE A ‘PRIEST’ AT WORK (3)

‘His God instructs him and teaches him the right way.’ Isaiah 28:26 NIV

Lottery winners often make the same comment: ‘Winning all that money isn’t going to change my life.’ But it seldom works out that way. Six months later they have left their job and bought a new house. A survey of lottery winners confirmed these two things: 1) The majority were more unhappy after than before winning. Why? Unfulfilled demands and unmet expectations on the part of family and friends led to disappointment and resentment. 2) None of them would give up the money they’d won. When you’ve had more money, you tend to be miserable with less. But having more money doesn’t give you more self-worth. It’s notable that the song ‘Take This Job and Shove It’ was recorded by a man named Johnny Paycheck! Isaiah wrote: ‘When a farmer ploughs for planting, does he plough continually?…Does he not plant wheat in its place?…God instructs him and teaches him the right way…All this…comes from the Lord’ (vv. 24-29 NIV). That means whether you’re a farmer or a fireman—God gave you your job! It’s your ‘calling’, and it was designed to do more than simply provide financial security. It was designed to give you dignity and worth, and to fulfil God’s purposes on earth. Theologian Miroslav Volf says: ‘All human work, however complicated or simple, is made possible by the operation of the Spirit of God in the working person; and all work whose nature and results reflect the values of the new creation is accomplished under the instruction and inspiration of the Spirit of God.’ So, ‘Whatever you do, work…with all your heart…for the Lord’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV).


Genesis 10-12, John 13: 1-17, Psalm 95, Proverbs 30: 29-33.