Category Archives: Inspirational

Child Raising, Child Rearing, Family, Inspirational, Mentoring, Ministry, Modeling, Parenting

WELL WISHES

VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 Thessalonians 1:1

“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” 

We don’t write letters much anymore. We text, tweet, post to social media, but we don’t sit down and write a letter. Why is that? What are we missing?

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Thessaloniki. I’ve been to Thessaloniki. What a beautiful city. The ancient city wall is still partially standing. You can stand on the hill which overlooks the harbor and watch the ships come and go. I could almost imagine Paul standing in that spot almost 2,000 years ago.

How does Paul address these believers?  With grace and peace. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to address other believers today? Just think how refreshing that would be if we did that. 

APPLICATION

Do that today and see the responses you get. Say to the first person you meet today, “Grace and peace to you.” I bet you will get some raised eyebrows or maybe a puzzled look. They may ask you what you mean by that.

Now, that opens a door to share the Gospel. After all, isn’t sharing the Gospel essentially sharing about the grace and peace of God? Understanding grace brings peace. I want to encourage you to try it. Make someone’s day. It will make yours too.

God of grace and peace, help me today to be the bearer of grace. Help me speak peace.  Let me, like Paul, wish well to other believers who are traveling the same road I am.

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Inspirational

HOW COULD I FORGET THAT?


Best Verses: Psalm 77:11-12 “11 I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds.”

DEEDS FOR ME

We are so quick to forget all the Lord has done for us.  To begin with He saved us.  If He did nothing else, that’s enough.  But He doesn’t stop there.  He gives us the Holy Spirit to dwell in us to guide us daily.  He gives us the Church where we can fellowship with other believers.  And…I could go on and on.

We cry out to Him in times of trouble and forget Him as soon as it has passed.  Asaph, the writer of this Psalm, realizes that.  In fact, he recognizes that when he feels the Lord has changed, it’s his fault, not God’s.  He is the one who has moved.  He is the one who has forgotten.

TEACHING MOMENT

I guarantee you, your children have forgotten all you have done for them.  Most children take for granted that mom and dad are going to be there.  Most children, even the ones who are most grateful, forget all their blessings.  We should remind them, from time to time of the blessings God has given them.  

I don’t mean we need to make them feel guilty or try to shame them.  I mean truly remember and praise Him for His faithfulness.  How about the last time your child was sick?  Thank Him for healing.  How about finding the lost dog?  Thank Him for that, too.

We aren’t grateful most of the time.  Have you stopped and thanked God for your blessings? Have you given Him praise for all He has done in your life?  If not, do that right now.  Thank Him. Praise Him!  Glorify God!

I will praise You, O Lord, for all You have done for me.  You bless me when I don’t even realize it.  You are faithful even when I am not.

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Inspirational, Uncategorized

GOD’S NAME

Psalm 48:10 “As is Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness.”

WHAT IS IT?

God’s name!  What do you call Him?  Father?  Holy One? Judge?  Master?  Lord? Jehovah?  How about simply “I Am”?  Whatever you call Him, it does not change who He is.  He is All.  He is Everything.  He is mighty. He is powerful.  He is righteous.  He is to the ends of the earth.

I think you get the picture.  But do you understand that, as a believer, His name is your name.  You are in the family.  You carry His spiritual DNA.  You will be known by the world as one of His.  Are you representing the family well?

TEACHING MOMENT

Give your little Elrod or Gertrude three minutes to write down as many names of God they can think of.  Beforehand, google that or get a book with those names. See how many your child can get. Then show them the complete list you found.  They will probably be amazed.

Now, ask them by what names they are known.  Are they known as kind?  How about patient?  We will be known by our actions and attitudes long after our nicknames.  I want you to instill in your child the desire to carry the name of Jesus proudly.  Then they will be known by the name given at Antioch – Christian.

Your child will carry the name you gave them all their lives.  My children will always be a “Willis” by blood.  Nothing will change that.  But how will your child be known?  How will you be known?  Names are important.  Claim His name and let His name be synonymous with yours – Holy.

Father, I am not You, but I want to be known as Yours. I want people to see me and know that I belong in Your family tree.  I want to be remembered as a child of the King.

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