Weekly Devotional Tidbits May 1-6, 2012

The Word for You Today

1.  “The Ultimate Therapy and Protection”

• She prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.  (Judges 16:16)
• Keep company with those who can lift you up, not tear you down
• Keep your tank full by spending time in prayer and in the Word

2.  “God’s Reward System”

• He will receive his reward.  (I Cor 3:14)
• Work done for God in the present doesn’t always result in rewards now, but in eternity we will have great rewards
• Three criteria for reward basis:

·         A relationship of love and obedience to Jesus

·         Doing things with the motive of pleasing God, and NOT to impress others

·         Pure love…for Jesus and others

3.  “The Benefits of Making Jesus ‘Lord’”

• No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.  (I Cor 12:3)
• He will tell you what to say
• He will defend you
• He will carry your burdens

4.  “Four Ways to Build a Relationship with the Lord”

• Spiritual growth must be a priority
• Surrender to the will of God
• Obey the Spirit’s leading
• Carry your cross

5.  “Are You Fulfilled?”

• In due season he will honor you with every blessing.  (Ps 37:34)
• Do not throw away your confidence; it will be…rewarded.  (Heb 10:35)
• I delight to do your will, O my God.  (Ps 40:8)
• There is a “dip” of hard work and learning and adversity which we must face as we achieve our God-given dreams, but God will give us joy in the midst of it if we keep our focus on Jesus and not on the enemy.
• “Ideal” – means perfect…and there is nothing perfect in this world…idealism will only bring disappointment, not success.
• “Realistic” – leaves room for imperfection, yet is able to succeed.
• In spite of our flaws, God will help us accomplish great things, if we follow His leading.
• Our highest fulfillment comes in doing what God has created us to do, by using the strengths and gifts he has given us.

Sparkling Gems from the Greek

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  (2 Tim 3:16)

• The Bible has all the answers, wisdom, and power that we need…we just need to tap into God’s Word.
• “inspiration” – God-breathed…the Bible was written by men who were divinely inspired, God-breathed.
• Today the same words written long ago are still God-breathed and as we read it, it becomes breath to us.
• “profitable” – beneficial, helpful
• Since we have God’s Word available to us, we already have the greatest source of power and wisdom there is.
• The Bible isn’t just a book that is about God, it contains God, and as we read it, God’s breath moves in us.

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.  (2 Tim 4:7)

• We should live with the awareness that one day we will see Jesus face to face, and we are accountable for how we spend our lives.
• We should live expecting to hear “Well done!” by Jesus.
• We should keep on track…running the race we have been called to…never giving up.
• Our problems are only momentary, but obedience to God is forever…He will ask us one day if we’ve been faithful to His leading, did we complete our assignment?
• Live so that you can look into the face of Jesus with confidence, not fear and trembling.

Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true.  (I Cor 1:5-6)

• “enriched” – having an abundance
• The Holy Spirit makes the gifts alive within us.
• I must speak and act as I am prompted by the Holy Spirit.
• As I follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, God’s power flows through me to those in need.

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.  (Rom 8:11)

• When we need extra strength, the Holy Spirit will quicken us – He will give us new energy.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  (Heb 10:24)

• Allow the Holy Spirit to use you to encourage others and be a blessing to them.
• We need to quit being focused on our selves, and see who needs a special touch of caring.
• The fruit of the Spirit is in us to share with others:  love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self control.