God's Word on That

Tag: Daily Slice

A slice of God’s Word for the day

  • Things To Dwell On

    “I read in a book where a man called Christ went about doing good. It is very disconcerting to me that I am so easily satisfied with just going about.” (Toyohiko Kagawa 1888–1960)

    Time is a vapor. Popularity an accident. Riches take wings. Only character endures. It is a law of personality that you become like that thing you dwell on.

    Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Your Word is Truth (John 17:17). All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that any man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). Therefore I discipline my body and bring it under strict control (1 Corinthians 9:27).

    No matter how great the talent or the field of endeavor, unless the individual is personally disciplined, much of the potential will remain just that – potential. Your life either sheds light or casts shadows.

    We must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth; this is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence (1 John 3:18-19).

    God is goodness and beauty and truth and love. I could do no better than to remind myself of this each day – then I will look for these things around me and know He is near. The secret of a good attitude is to have thoughts that dwell on good things for this reflects God’s character.

    Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise – dwell on these things. Do what you have learned… and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9).

    Let us dwell on His Word and His nature.

  • Timely Scripture

    With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers and sisters, as an act of intelligent worship, to give Him your bodies, as a living sacrifice consecrated to Him and acceptable by Him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God remake you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed. Thus you will prove in practice that the will of God is good, acceptable to Him, and perfect. (Romans 12:1-3 Phillips)

    I am convinced, and I say this as in the presence of the Lord Jesus, that nothing is intrinsically unholy. But none the less it is unholy to the man who thinks it is… You mustn’t let something that is all right for you look like an evil practice to somebody else. After all, the kingdom of Heaven is not a matter of whether you get what you like to eat and drink, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you put these things first in serving Christ Jesus, you will please God and are not likely to offend men. So let us concentrate on the things that make for harmony and on the growth of our fellowship together. (Romans 14:14, 16-19)

    Why all this stress on behavior? Because, as I think you have realized the present time is of the highest importance – it is time to wake up to reality. Every day brings God’s salvation nearer than the day in which we took the first step of faith. The night is nearly over, the day has almost dawned. Let us therefore fling away the things that men do in the dark and let us arm ourselves for the fight of the day! (Romans 13:11-13 Phillips)

    Let us be prepared. We can sense the Day is approaching.

  • We Are Not Alone

    We act as though we were alone in this inner sanctuary, but on the contrary, God is here more intimately than we are ourselves. We fear to have lost God when we are no longer conscious of Him. But in truth, it is our own impatience under trial; it is the restlessness of our hyper-sensitive and self-centered nature that hides Him from our minds.

    Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).

    There is no escaping sorrows and sufferings, we must bear them with patience.

    In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

    The more the flesh is worn away by affliction, so much the more is the spirit strengthened by inward grace. The greater the height we reach in the spiritual life, the heavier we find our crosses. Everything is founded on the Cross and everything depends on our taking up the cross handed to us. Our present difficulties are an essential part of the process of becoming the people God wants us to be. Whatever we are like today – with grace, we will be better tomorrow.

    Believe in Him steadfastly, and everything that challenges you will strengthen you.

    Trust in Him and His presence with you, and trials will make you stronger.

  • A Word on Anger

    The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human can alter his life by altering his attitude (William James). Anybody can become angry – that is easy. But to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy (Aristotle). You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger (Buddha). It seems the only time I open my mouth is to change feet (Anonymous).

    Many people have an opinion on anger and its effects on our psyche. Jesus Himself was angry at times (Mark 3:5), the same as our Father was (Hebrews 3:11). God is not against anger, since it has its purpose. But there is a righteous anger, and a wrong anger.

    Be angry and do not sin (Psalm 4:4). Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and so give the devil an opportunity (Ephesians 4:26-27). Most of the time anger is cruel (Proverbs 27:4), and so the wise man turns from anger (Proverbs 29:8).

    My life is in the hands of any fool who makes me lose my temper (Joseph Hunter). Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it (Seneca). It is not events but our opinions about those events that cause us suffering (Epictetus). The greatest weapon against anger and stress is our ability to choose one thought over another (William James).

    So everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and even slower to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness (James 1:19-20). [Always remember Jonah’s observation] I knew that You are a merciful and companionate God, slow to become angry, and rich in faithful love (Jonah 4:2). Let us be imitators of God our Father (Ephesians 5:1).

    When we feel anger brewing, let us calm ourselves and pray: What would Jesus do here?

  • Encourage One Another

    There are no hopeless situations, only people who have grown hopeless about them. People inspire others when they see invisible bridges at the end of dead-end streets. A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.

    Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13). Encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).

    A sincere compliment is one of the most effective teaching and motivational methods in existence. Reach down and lift others up; it’s the best exercise you can get.

    If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make [His] joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:1-2).

    May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

    Encouragement is the easiest way to display God’s love.

  • Delight Yourself In The Lord

    Faith is the only way to approach God. Love is the only way to be sure to obey God. Reverence and delight are the only ways to live close to God.

    I delight myself in my Lord, and He gives me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4). My countenance radiates the joy of the Lord, for a happy heart makes the face cheerful (Proverbs 15:13). The light of my eyes even rejoices the hearts of others (Proverbs 15:30), and the cheerful heart has a continual feast (Proverbs 15:15).

    Joy is an essential element to the spirit life. Whatever we may think or say about God, when we are not joyful, our thoughts and words cannot bear fruit. God whispers to us in our pleasures.

    Father, my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips (Psalm 63:5). I speak out in psalms and hymns and make melody with all my heart to You, always giving thanks to You for everything in the name of my Lord Jesus (Ephesians 5:19-20). My happy heart is good medicine and my cheerful mind works healing (Proverbs 17:22).

    Everybody needs beauty as well as bread; places to play in as well as pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul. Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.

    The Lord be exalted! For the Lord God delights in the well-being (health and happiness) of His servants (Psalm 35:27). The Lord delights in His people (Psalm 149:4). Exalt the Lord, O my soul! I rejoice in You always, Father God. And again I say it, I will rejoice (Philippians 4:4). I delight myself in You, O Lord my God (Philippians 3:1). Happy am I because God is my Lord [my God and my Father] (Psalm 144:15). My spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:47).

    God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

    Delight in the wonderful creation that God has made for us!

  • Duty and Privilege

    Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust (Acts 14:23).

    Responsibility (or duty) is the other side of privilege. “Commit your way to the Lord” – that is our responsibility. “Trust also in Him” – that is our happy privilege. Responsibility = our response to God’s ability; to respond to the opportunities God has placed in front of us.

    [God] has committed to us the message of reconciliation (Acts 14:23). So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Peter 4:19).

    We must often raise the heart to God, for He will purify it, enlighten it, and direct it. “If it is to be, it is up to me” – Actually, it is up to me to be the clay in the Potter’s hands.

    Each particular being in its individuality – its concrete nature and entity, with all its own characteristics and qualities, and its own invisible identity – gives glory to God by being precisely what He wants it to be here and now.

    When Jesus called the disciples, He did not find the most qualified; He found the most willing.

    It’s our duty to show forth His beauty. And it’s our privilege to show forth His beauty.

  • Don’t Darken Your Soul

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:27) Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? (Luke 12:26)

    Avoid all anxious care, vexation murmuring, and melancholy which darken the soul, and that renders you unfit for the friendship of God. He who complains, or thinks he has a right to complain, because he is called in God’s providence to suffer, has something within him which needs to be taken away. If we yield to a complaining and impatient spirit, we shall mar our peace without having the satisfaction of benefiting others.

    Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23). Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:9). Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27).

    Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (Philippians 2:14-15). Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:9-10). Don’t grumble against one another, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! (James 5:9).

    When we complain, we look ugly. We are meant to show God’s beauty.

  • The Work God Appoints

    I am not bound to make the world go right; but only to discover and do, with a cheerful heart, the work God appoints me.

    Dearest Father, direct me to work very hard at whatever You direct me to do (Colossians 1:29). I want always to give myself fully to the work of the Lord, because I know my labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

    If we will obey and do the task God has placed closest to us, we will see Him – at work through us and also at the last days. Be sure that if you do your very best in that which is laid upon you today, you will not be left without sufficient help when some weightier occasion arises.

    Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may go about Your work this day in Your love and power, for You have made me to be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). I know that everyone born of God overcomes the world; this is the victory that overcomes: my faith (1 John 5:4). I give cheerfully [of all the talent and time I have], and my God makes all grace flow to me in abundance, so that in all things at all times, having all sufficiency in all that is needed, I abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

    Exactness in little duties is a wonderful source of cheerfulness! Cheered by the presence of God, I will do at each moment, without anxiety and according to the strength He gives me, the work His providence assigns me.

    I earnestly pray that I walk worthy of You, my Lord God, fully pleasing You and desiring to please You in all things, and being fruitful in every good work. I aim at increasing in the knowledge of You, my God. And so I pray that I am being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might (Colossians 1:10-11).

    I am not the Great “I AM”, but by the grace of God I am what I am. Here, O Lord, You have placed me and I will glorify You here.

    I must do the work God gives me to do, even when I don’t see the whole picture.

  • True Treasure

    It is only a turning loose of the things that most of us keep as treasure that we find what is truly treasure.

    Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2) Turn from worthless things to the living God (Acts 14:15). Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made (John 1:3).

    Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come (Luke 17:1). The worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19).

    Don’t worship and serve created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). ‘Who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21).

    Things don’t change – you change the way you look at things. Remember: whatever you pay attention to grows! Live above distinctions so that plenty doesn’t entangle your spirit and poverty doesn’t break it.

    Treasure is the beauty that surrounds us, for we can take nothing with us when we leave this planet.

    There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Christ Jesus, through whom all things came and through whom we live (1 Corinthians 8:6). For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth… all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17). You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed (1 Peter 1:18).

    Material things make good servants, but bad masters. Everything we own owns us – why would we want more things? The person who is free is not the person who has nearly everything, but the person who needs almost nothing. We were placed on earth not to accumulate but to give away.

    To the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15). Use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them, for this world in its present form is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:30-31), things are destined to perish (Colossians 2:22). The end of all things is near (1 Peter 4:7).

    God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

    Blessings are like hugs from God to let you know how much He loves you. Counting your blessings is like hugging God back. The God from Whom all Blessings Flow – what a name!