Endtime Indications 1/3/8
Televangelist **Pat Robertson predicts stock market crash*
But televangelist won't say who'll be elected president this year
Jan 2 05:17 PM US/Eastern
By SONJA BARISIC
Associated Press Writer
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson said
Wednesday
that 2008 will be a year of violence worldwide and a recession in the
United States, followed by a major stock-market crash by 2010.
Praying about events in the coming year and sharing what he believes
God
has told him is an annual tradition for Robertson, founder of the
Christian Broadcasting Network.
"The Lord was saying that there's going to be violence and chaos in
the
world," Robertson said on his "700 Club" news-and-talk show.
"We've just begun to see what's going to happen, and the nations are
going to be convulsed with violence," he said, citing as an example
unrest in Pakistan after the death of former Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto.
Evangelism will increase because more people are going to be seeking
God
as the chaos develops, he said.
"We will see the presence of angels and we will see an
intensification
of miracles around the world, which I think is going to be a
wonderful
thing," he said.
He also predicted that there will be a recession, oil will reach $150
a
barrel and the U.S. dollar will continue to fall. He added that there
will be a major stock-market crash in 2009 or 2010.
Robertson's past predictions have included presidential politics; in
2004 he said God told him President Bush would be re-elected in a
blowout. He declined Wednesday to say who will win the 2008 race.
"I'll just keep that to myself and look with horror at what may be
happening," he said with a laugh.
Robertson also noted that one especially horrible prediction he made
last year--that a terrorist act, possibly involving a nuclear weapon,
would result in a mass killing in the United States--did not come to
pass.
"All I can think is that somehow the people of God prayed and God in
his
mercy spared us," Robertson said.
14-3-Helpful Hints-Part 3
Your Brother or Sister
God require his Children to have no limits to their charity towards
their neighbors, friends and enemies alike. God shows charity to all
men. Our actions must be like our Father's. Providing for the poor
is not just a suggestion in the Bible; it is a command that may
require a change of attitude.
(Proverbs 14:31)
"He who oppresses a poor man insults his maker, but he who is kind to
the needy honors him."
Here again we see restated that we have no control over God's law and
therefore we can not judge or criticize our Brothers/Sisters in God.
When we fail to love, we are actually breaking God's law. Examine
your attitude and actions towards others. Do you build people up or
tear them down?
If we choose to live by God's standards, we will be righteous. But if
we choose to live by our own standards, we will be wicked and will
face God's wrath.
The natural man is spiritually dead, separated from God. He has
neither the presence of God in his life nor the knowledge of God's
ways. he has learned to live his life independently of God.
Essentially, this is what constitutes the "flesh." His mind has been
conformed to this world. The brain, which is physical and part of the
body, functions like a computer. The mind is the programmer. The
body picks up data from the world through its five senses. The mind
chooses and interprets the data, and the brain stores it. The
emotions are essentially a product of how the mind chooses to think
and interpret life's events.
When we are born again, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our
life. Because we are now spiritually alive and united with Christ, we
have the mind of Christ. We have become a partaker of the divine
nature. However, nobody pushed the clear button in the computer. The
brain is still programmed to live independently of God....
The battle is for the mind: "For the flesh sets its desire against the
Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition
to one another" (Galatians 5:17). God has given us the responsibility
to choose. The carnal Christian chosees to walk according to the
flesh. What governs his behavior are the old habit patterns and
thoughts that were programmed over time. The spiritually defeated
Christian fails to put on the armor of God, and ends up paying
attention to deceiving spirits. The spiritual man has crucified the
flesh and put on the armor of God; he chooses to think upon that which
is true.
We are to be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:23). The
Holy Spirit discloses the mind of Christ. We must choose to no longer
be conformed to this world. We are to be diligent to present
ourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be
ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). When
we do, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. We choose to
think the truth, and the Holy Spirit enables our thoughts and renews
our minds with the logos. Then the peace of God guards our hearts and
minds. We let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts by letting the
word of Christ richly dwell in us (Colossians 3:15, 16). We are now
equipped to discern.
(From Walking in the Light by Neil Anderson)
Do you have a quick temper? Do you respond selfishly to others?
(James 4:11-12)
"Do not criticize one another, my brothers. Whoever criticizes a
Christian brother or judges him, criticizes the law and judges it. If
you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but
one who judges it. God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can
save and destroy. Who do you think you are to judge your fellow-man?
How is this applicable to you as you struggle with the world's
seduction?
No question about the unacceptability of prejudice and
discrimination. Rely on God to show you what is best for you. Ask
him for wisdom, and trust that he will give it to you. Then your
decisions will be sure and solid.
(James 1:8-9)
"You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom,
which is found in the scripture, 'Love your neighbor as you love
yourself.' But if you treat people according to their outward
appearance, you are guilty of sin, and the Law condemns you as a
lawbreaker."
This next scripture is either wrong and therefore the Bible has error,
or we are wrong when we judge people who are not the same as us. The
Good News of Christ is for everyone! We should not allow any barrier,
language, culture, prejudice, geography, economic level, or education
level to keep us from loving them.
(Acts 10:34-35)
Peter began to speak; "I now realized that it is true that God treats
everyone on the same basis. Whoever fears him and does what is right
is acceptable to him no matter what race he belongs to."
How can you better relate to people around you?
Revenge is obviously not allowed. isn't that a kicker. What will we
able to do to that person who hurts us?
A vengeful heart, indicates that you have not submitted and turned
over your life. And this attitude will not let you, take these
actions. You must remove this attitude from yourself and change it to
a forgiving attitude.
The base of the vengeful attitude is that you own and control
something. Someone has hurt that ownership and control. It then
becomes necessary to correct that danger to your control and
ownership.
Turning this control and ownership over to God your Father, releases
your responsibility for this area. Instead your responsibility
becomes; to do the best you can within the guidance your Father in
Heaven provides you. And he does not ask you to take vengeful
actions. These actions are his alone, to take. Jesus suggested a
new, radical response to injustice; instead of demanding rights, give
them up freely! According to Jesus, it is more important to give
justice and mercy than to receive it.
(Matthew 5:39)
"But now I tell you; do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you.
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek
to."
This is certainly part of the answer. By loving and praying for our
enemies, we can overcome evil with good. If you love your enemies and
treat them well. You will truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life.
(Matthew 5:44-45)
"But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in
heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike,
and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil."
This is another part of the answer. Jesus talked about an act of the
will, conscious efforts, acting in their best interests for those you
love.
(Luke 6:27-28)
"But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who
hate you, bless those who mistreat you."
Love and prayer are another part of the answer, along with
forgiveness. When we don't forgive othhers, we are denying our common
ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness.
(Matthew 6:14-15)
"If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father
in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others,
then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done."
Hey Wait! What about my rights - What rights did Christ have when he
was in this world?
This IS radical, it may even help to do away with being hurt in the
first place. Crime sure would take a nose dive with this action.
Only God can give us the strength to love, so pray for it.
(Matthew 5:42)
"When someone asks you for something give it to him; when someone
wants to borrow something, lend it to him."
You mean that when I do good, I can't take credit for it? You are
quite right. Credit now, No Credit from our Father in Heaven. This
also works when we give credit. We are then taking away any credit
they will receive from God. That surly is not being nice. To be sure
our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds; quietly or
in secret, with no thought of reward.
(Matthew 6:3-4)
But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your
closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private
matter, and your Father, who sees what you do in private, and will
reward you."
How can you better help your neighbor?
I guess that this certainly tells us where Happiness is. "Blessed"
means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state
of those who are in God's kingdom.
(Matthew 5:3-12 (Robert Schuller))
"Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of
heaven belongs to them! (I need help-I can't do it alone). "Happy are
those who mourn; God will comfort them! (I'm really hurting - But I'm
going to bounce back.)
"Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God
will satisfy them fully! (I really want to do the right thing).
"Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to
them! (I'm going to treat others the way I want others to treat me.)
"Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God! (I've got to let the
faith flow free through me.)
"Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them His children!
(I'm going to be a bridge builder.)
"Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them! (I can choose to be happy -
Anyway).
"Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all
kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be happy
and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how
the prophets who lived before you were persecuted." (I'm going to
remain cool, calm, and corrected.)
How will you improve your true happiness?
We are also called to self-denial and the other Christian qualities,
on the job. Jesus calls us to right living.
(Luke 3:10-14)
The people asked him, "What are we to do, then?"
He answered, "Whoever has two shirts MUST give one to the man who has
none, and whoever has food MUST share it."
Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher,
what are we to do?"
Don't collect more than is legal," he told them.
Some soldiers also asked him, "What about us? What are we to do?
He said to them, "Don't take money from anyone by force or accuse
anyone falsely. Be content with your pay."
What changes can you make in sharing what you have, doing your work
honestly and well, and be content?
This summarizes the laws above; because if we love one another with
the love God expects, we could and would not do the wrong that the law
states. True love only breeds good. Jesus says that our Christlike
love will show we are his disciples.
(John 13:34-35)
"And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have
loved you, so you MUST love one another. If you have love for one
another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples."
Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your life/
love for one another?
Love leads to forgiveness.
(Matthew 6:14)
"If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father
in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others,
than your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done."
Forgiveness leads to kindness.
(Matthew 6:14)
"It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices."
What kindness can you provide to others?
Kindness includes helping. How much we love God can be measured by
how well we treat others.
(Matthew 10:42)
"You can be sure that who ever gives even a drink of cold water to one
of the least of these my followers because he is my follower will
certainly receive a reward."
How can you best represent to your neighbors Jesus love for them?
If we don't do it this way, we will reap what we sow.
(Matthew 12:25)
"And any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight
each other will fall apart."
What can you do to "salt" your relationships with peace this week?
The proper way leads to peace. When we lose the desire to "salt" the
earth with the love and message of God, we become useless to him.
(Mark 9:50)
"Have the salt of friendship among yourselves, and live in peace with
one another."
What real difference does Jesus' power make in your daily speech with
others?
Jesus said, "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask
the lord of the harvest therefore to send out workers into harvest
field." (matt. 9:37-38). This is one of the many messages that help
us understand that we are partners with God in his work of caring for
our world. We plant, tend, and harvest crops, but God causes the
miracles of growth. We can care for others, but God produces the
growth, the healing, the cure in people's lives. It is tempting at
times to forget God's responsibility in this process. Let us grow in
appreciation of God's way of using us in his process.
Let us do it, now. And then we can move on to the next section.
Delaying to do good is inconsiderate and unfair. With-holding
destroys trust.
(Proverbs 3:27-30)
"Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell
your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help him now. Don't
plan anything that will hurt your neighbor; he lives inside you,
trusting you. Don't argue with someone for no reason when he has
never done you any harm."
What can you do, to provide peace in your personal community?
Does someone close to you need encouragement today? He or she may be
sitting at the breakfast table with you. Or maybe it's a friend who
needs prayer support in a trial or an encouraging word along the way.
Take a few minutes today to speak a word or write a note of
encouragement. Let your friend know you care.
Now you can move on by looking into, how your body fits into the
program.
Our Bodies
Our bodies are to be treated with reverence, because the Spirit lives
in each one of us (once we have turned over our life to God and opened
our hearts to His Spirit) and each one of us has an eternal destiny.
This includes many aspects of our use and care of the body including
drugs, alcohol, lack of care and anything that does not honor the
temple of the Holy Spirit.
Since our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit they are not our own
to do with them what we like, they belong to Christ whose servants we
are (Romans 6:12-20). So then how can we condone Abortion, the
killing of a creation of God within the body of a women. God does not
give life and a soul to his creation at the time of physical birth.
He gives it, at time of conception. Because your body belongs to God,
you must not violate His standards for living. Christ's death
obligates us to his service.
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who
lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to
yourselves but to God; He bought you for a price. So use your bodies
for God's glory."
How can you begin a "temple maintenance program" to help you?
Earthly nature provides for: Guy's playing at love to get sex and
women playing at sex to get love. This should not be the case with
Christians? headaches and Football games do not let us off the hook.
And I don't think this was meant just for the world of sex. It also
means taking out the garbage when we are asked and running to the
library when your favorite soap opera may be on. Sexual temptations
are difficult to withstand because they appeal to the normal and
natural desires that God has given us. Married couples have the
responsibility to care for each other.
(1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
"A man should fulfill his duty as a husband, and a woman should
fulfill her duty as a wife, and each should satisfy the other's
needs. A wife is not the master of her own body, but her husband is;
in the same way a husband is not the master of his own body, but his
wife is. Do not deny yourselves to each other, unless you first agree
to do so for a while in order to spend your time in prayer; but then
resume normal marital relations. In this way you will be kept from
giving in to Satan's temptation because of your lack of self-control.
What will be your program to improve your body, so that it will be a
proper temple for your God to create life?
As God created her, the woman has a desire and a need equal to the man
for the sex relationship. In line with her feminine nature, however,
she is more dependent upon environmental factors than is the man. She
is dependent upon a total "involvement" - a consideration apart from
the sexual consideration - for her appreciation of sexual
intercourse. She has a need for a continuation in the marital setting
of the romantic environment. More inclined by nature than the man to
view sex in terms of the whole relationship - of the whole of life -
she is more inclined to give her whole self - her devotion - her
giving herself away. Her self-giving in the sex act is in harmony
with her submission to her husband, that is, with her devotion to the
marriage.
The man on the other hand is inclined to bring into the sex act only a
part of himself. The man is divided between his family and his
vocational life.
Our bodies should not be joining others, outside of marriage, in ways
reserved for marriage.
Have you developed a plan to improve your bodies sexual relationship,
in the light of God's plan? If not, why not?
make it a habit to insert your specific needs into the question: "Is
this day in my life too hard for the Lord?" "Is this habit I'm trying
to break too hard for him?"
(Genesis 18:14) "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Though God's people often forgot their God, God didn't forget them.
he kept his word.... He could have given up. He could have turned his
back. He could have walked away from the wretched mess, but he
didn't.
He didn't give up.
When he became flesh and was the victim of an assassination attempt
before he was two years old, he didn't give up.
When the people from his own home town tried to push him over a cliff,
he didn't give up.
When his brothers ridiculed him, he didn't give up.
When he was accused of blaspheming God by people who didn't fear God,
he didn't give up.
When Peter worshiped him at the supper and cursed him at the fire, he
didn't give up.
When people spat in his face, he didn't spit back. When the
bystanders slapped him, he didn't slap them. When a whip ripped his
sides, he didn't turn and command the awaiting angels to stuff that
whip down that soldier's throat.
And when human hands fastened the divine hands to a cross with spikes,
it wasn't the soldiers who held the hands of Jesus steady. For those
wounded hands were the same hands that had... brought light into thick
and dreadful darkness. They had come to do it again.
(From Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado)
Does the place where you live resemble Sodom? Stand against evil in
your town or city. Be a voice for righteousness. Brainstorm with a
friend how you can make a difference.
What is your plan to deal with temptations concerning the use of your
body?
We'd all like to have the courage to start over. Yet the aging
process, coupled with disappointment, can taint our enthusiasm for
life.
It's good to realize our limitations, but we can't let them overwhelm
us. Has someone convinced you that you're too young or too old to
make the new start you'd like to embark on? if your Lord is in
control of your life; and he has provided a favorable circumstance,
you can do it! Ask Him right now for the guidance and grace you need
to follow through on His plan. As you tap into HIS strength, and plan
anything is possible.
We were being told by highly touted authorities that there was nothing
wrong with the unmarried living as married. Indeed, it was even
beneficial. It would help people not getting into a marriage that
would finally fail. Christianity said living together under those
conditions was bad preparation for marriage. Now a secular report is
being published that supports this stand.
In a Chicago Tribune article titled "Trial Marriage is Often A Ticket
to Splitsville," (June 9th, 1989) we are told "Researchers who
expected the widespread practice of 'trial marriage' to usher in an
era of increased marital stability have been surprised by new studies
showing that those Americans who lived together before marriage are
separating and divorcing in significantly greater numbers than couples
who went directly to the altar'."
Maybe God has some Good ideas about our life and bodies.
(Proverbs 5:1-6)
"Son , pay attention and listen to my wisdom and insight. Then you
will know how to behave properly, and your words will show that you
have knowledge. The lips of another man's wife may be sweet as honey
and her kisses as smooth as olive oil, but when it is all over, she
leaves you nothing but bitterness and pain. She will take you down to
the world of the dead; the road she walks is the road to death. She
does not stay on the road to life; but wanders off, and does not
realize what is happening."
Our Relationship to Government.
Our God endorses lawful obedience to the government, but sets a limit
of obedience beyond which the Child of God's conscience must refuse to
go. The government must never assume the authority of God (mark
12;14-17). Wherever we find ourselves, we must be responsible
citizens, as well as responsible Christians.
(Romans 13:1-7)
"Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists
without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put
there by God. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God
has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgement on himself.
For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who
do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of the man in authority. Then
do what is good, and he will praise you, because he is God's servant
working for your good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of him,
because his power to punish is real. He is God's servant and carries
out God's punishment on those who do evil. For this reason you must
obey the authorities - not just because of God's punishment, but also
as a matter of conscience.
"That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working
for God when they fulfill their duties. Pay, them, what you owe them;
pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor
for them all."
Is it proper to participate in "non-violent" anti-... demonstrations
that do not affect your direct personal obedience to a law contrary to
your relationship to your God.
In addition to obedience, we owe honor and respect.
(1 Clement 10:7)
"Let us honor those who are set over us; let us respect the aged that
are among us; and let us instruct the younger men, in the discipline
and fear of the Lord."
How can you improve your relationship to local, state, and national
government?
We must be subject to where we are placed in God's Plan.
(1 Clement 17:33)
"let therefore our whole body be saved in Christ Jesus; and let every
one be subject to his neighbor, according to the order in which he is
placed by the gift of God."
"Some nations place the sovereignty of their land in the hands of a
single ruler (monarchy), some in the hands of a small number of rulers
(oligarchy), and some in the hands of the people (democracy). Moses
our Teacher taught us to place our faith in none of these forms of
government. He taught us to obey the rule of God, for to God alone
did he accord kingship and power. He commanded the people always to
raise their eyes to God, for He is the source of all good for mankind
in general and for each person in particular and in Him will people
find help when they pray to Him in their time of suffering for no act
is hidden from His understanding and no hidden thought of man's heart
is hidden from Him" (Josephus Flavius, Contra Apion, Volume One).
How will you improve your honor and respect to government?
God's holiness is the standard for nations as well as for individuals
- but a nation's morality can rise no higher than the moral
convictions of its leaders.
We know from Scripture that it's appropriate to pray for our leaders -
and also to let our biblical convictions be known in the debate over
public morality. If there's an issue of importance that you're
especially burdened about, let your views be known to "the powers that
be." Today write a letter or make a call to an appropriate government
official, upholding God's standards in public life. He will honor
your witness and will reinforce your relationship through it.
Our Father, Our Friend
Benjamin Franklin
"And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we
no longer need His assistance? I have lived a long time; and the
longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth; that
God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to
the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise
without His aid?"
How will you be subject to where God placed you in His Plan?
Our Children of Earth
As parents, we recognize that God uses us as extensions of himself to
help our children become good. (Christ-like). The cannot become good
by themselves, but with our guidance and love and knowledge, they too
can grow in God's goodness.
Incidentally, how will you improve your relationship with your parents
if they are still alive?
"The four errors we have examined results from failure to act on four
basic principles for raising good children.
"Children, particularly early in the development of their moral
thinking and behavior, need parents who act as God the Father does;
that is, parents who set rules and maintain limits for their children.
"If children are to develop morally, they need parents who care for
them as God the Father cares for us, expressing their caring in warmth
and affection toward their children.
"If children are to become good, they need parents who are themselves
open to God's gift of goodness, parents who themselves are growing in
goodness.
"If children are to develop morally, they need parents who understand
the normal progression of moral development, so they can help their
children in the proper manner and at the proper time." (Richard Krebe-
How to Bring up a Good Child).
If our faith in Christ is real, it will usually prove itself at home,
in our relationships with those who know us best. Children and
parents have a responsibility to each other.
(Ephesians 6:1-4)
"Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is
the right thing to do. 'Respect your father and mother' is the first
commandment that has a promise added; 'so that all may go well with
you, and you may live a long time in the land.'
"Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them
angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and
instruction."
How will you improve your relationship to your children if any?
One of the best ways to start down that path, is to turn the control
of the future for your child, to God; and retain control of the
present. This is best done, as part of a release to God, of
"ownership" to this child. When you commit your child to God, like
God committed you to His son Christ; you will find that you have a new
sense of dealing with today in their lives, and not being concerned
with the future. You will then be able to concentrate on preparing
them for whatever and wherever God will direct them.
How will you reflect your release of "Ownership" to your children?
"If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in
utter darkness" (Proverbs).
We must prepare our Kids with roots that will allow them to bend under
pressure without breaking. These roots should be deep into God's:
Plan and Word. They should also learn from us the joy that obedience
to God's law and plan brings. This will allow them to fly through
their life with the joy of a Child of God.
What is your plan to improve your children's (if any) roots?
One of the greatest responsibilities of parents is to encourage their
children to become wise.
(Proverbs 4:1-4)
Sons, listen to what your father teaches you. Pay attention and you
will have understanding. What I am teaching you is good, so remember
it all. When I was only a little boy, my parents' only son, my father
would teach me. he would say 'Remember what I say and never forget
it. Do as I tell you, and you will live.'"
How can you learn from your parents?
The Tongue
No matter how spiritual we may think we are, we all could control our
speech more effectively.
(James 1:26-27)
"Does anyone think he is religious? If he does not control his
tongue, his religion is worthless and he deceives himself. What God
the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take
care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from
being corrupted by the world."
Your plan for controlling complaining is what?
I can't even complain or feel sorry for myself, this won't be easy.
You've got the point.
(Wisdom 1:10-11)
"God will tolerate no challenge, and since he hears everything, you
cannot hide your complaining from him. So be sure that you do not go
around complaining, it does no good - and don't engage in bitter
talk."
How will you reduce or eliminate gossip and useless talk?
Useless talk and gossip is something we are accountable for. Jesus
reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. You must
allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives.
(Matthew 12:36-37)
"You can be sure that on the Judgment Day everyone will have to give
account of every useless word that has ever been spoken. Your words
will be used to judge you-to declare you either innocent or guilty.
By hating another person you may become a liar or a fool.
(Proverbs 10:18-21)
"A man who hides his hatred is a liar. Anyone who spreads gossip is a
fool.
The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise
you will keep quiet.
A good man's words are like pure silver; a wicked man's ideas are
worthless.
A good man's words will benefit many people, but you can kill
yourself with stupidity."
How will you improve the kindness of your words?
Our words should be spoken in kindness.
(Proverbs 10:32)
"Righteous people know the kind things to say, but the wicked are
always saying things that hurt."
(Proverbs 17:1)
"Better a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with
strife."
Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? Choose gentle words.
(Proverbs 15:1)
"A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger"
What is your plan for improving your patience and forgiveness?
Proverbs also points out that patience and forgiveness are the marks
of a wise man:
(19:11) "Good sense makes a man slow to anger and it is his glory to
overlook an offense."
Your Vocation
(Eph. 6:7-8)
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not mean
because you know that the Lord will reward everyone."
No matter how glowing your aspirations may be once you secure a
position it becomes just another job. Perhaps you are locked into a
certain salary level or position or find that you're working for an
impossible boss. Perhaps the organization you work for has
disappointed you.
There's no end to the list of reasons for viewing your work through
less-than-rose-colored glasses. And there's no end of comfort and
advice in this passage from Ephesians. What could be worse than being
a slave bought and sold on the auction block? What could be worse
than having to do whatever the master of the house ordered, no matter
what he asked or how cruel he was.
In that kind of setting, honoring the master was probably the furthest
thing from the average slave's mind. While the institution of slavery
is no longer a part of our culture, we still have bosses - whether
they're called president, supervisor, manager or team leader.
Regardless we're told to honor God with our work.
How can this be done? Paul gave us some excellent "attitude advice"
in this Bible reading. We need to work obediently and honestly, as if
the Lord Himself over us at work as we would obey the Lord-that is,
"with sincerity" and "wholeheartedly." It's both dishonest and
hypocritical to work only when the boss is watching. As servants of
Christ, we must always seek to please the Lord with our efforts (v.
7). No such service is overlooked. Diligent work will gain the
Lord's recognition and reward (v.8).
But what about those who are the president, supervisor, manager,
parent, or team leader? Paul calls on these individuals to act "in
the same way" - to manage as if doing so for the Lord. This means
having the same attitude of desiring to serve Him and to treat workers
fairly. After all, the Lord will judge both workers and managers by
the same standard.
Just putting in a full day's work sets you apart these days.
Giving your employer an honest day's work is certainly a good place to
start; but if in deed we are "serving the Lord, not men" there ought
to be more to it. Think about your job for a few minutes. is it
apparent to your fellow employees that you're working for something
other than a paycheck? if your witness at work needs bolstering,
begin by doing more than is expected, by offering to go the second
mile.
Make your service for Christ as wholehearted on Monday morning as it
is on Sunday morning.
Christian Model
Tom Landry
During professional sporting events, many athletes purporting to be
Christians (and even some fans) have sacrificed their credibility
through outbursts of anger. After Tom Landry was fired as the head
coach of the Dallas Cowboys, the sports media paid tribute to the well-
known Christian coach. One commentator, ho was not a Christian,
remembered interviewing Landry after the Cowboys had suffered a
particularly humiliating defeat. Despite being embarrassed on the
field that day, Landry answered every question for the press with
grace and dignity. At the close of the interview, as the reporters
were packing up their equipment, this newsman realized to his dismay
that his camera had not properly recorded the interview. He had
nothing for his station to broadcast that evening. In desperation,
the frantic reporter chased after Landry as he walked down the
hallway. When the weary coach heard the reporter's dilemma, Landry
returned and completely refilmed the interview for this man's sake.
As the reporter testified on national television during the tribute to
Landry, he marveled at the Christian Character of the man who acted
with equal grace and dignity regardless of whether his team had won or
lost. That's integrity.
Student Prayer
Thank you, O Lord, for giving me the chance to have eternal life.
Through your love in the life, death and resurrection of your Son,
Jesus Christ, I have come to know your glory. Amen.
For further information go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jeramiahs_back_again/
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