Daily Bible Verses

A Choice, a Challenge, a Change

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:43:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about what the word Christian means? It comes from a Latin word. It means “partisan for Christ.” When you come to Christ, you take sides. You take sides with Christ.

by Billy Graham

Partisans are never neutral. They never play it safe. They never sit on the fence. They’re never spectators of the struggle of their times. They commit themselves.

What is a Christian? I believe a Christian is three things: A Christian is a person who has made a choice, a person who has accepted a challenge, a person who has been changed through the new birth.

Originally, the word Christian was used in derision. It was a term of reproach. Many people today have a wrong idea of what a Christian is. They think a Christian is someone who prays, or lives by the Golden Rule, or is sincere, or goes to church, or keeps the Ten Commandments. But even if you did all that, you still wouldn’t be a Christian. It’s more than that.

You make a choice. You come to the cross of Christ, and you choose Him. And you say, “Lord, I’m a sinner. Please forgive me. I’m sorry for my sins, and I come to the cross where You shed Your blood for me, and I receive You.”

Adam and Eve made the wrong choice, and that’s why we have so much trouble in the world today, because they handed down the disease of sin from generation to generation. And that’s what’s wrong with our world today.

You pick up a newspaper or watch the television news, and you see all that’s going on in the world. It’s a result of sin. Until we tackle the basic problem of sin, those other problems will continue.

What choices are you making now that will shape your character and determine your destiny? I’m asking you to choose Jesus, to come to Him and make your commitment to Him and say, “Jesus, I want to follow you.”

Moses, the great Hebrew leader, said, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Joshua, the great military leader of Israel who helped the people take over the country that God had promised to give them, said to all the people, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

He said this day. Now. Don’t wait. Choose now.

Elijah, in 1 Kings the 18th chapter, came to all the people and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him” (verse 21). If Jesus is who He claims to be, follow Him. Give your life to Him.

Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). He claimed to be the embodiment of all truth. He was either a liar, or He had a tremendous ego, or He was who He claimed to be.

As a teenager in Charlotte, N.C., I made the decision by faith—I couldn’t prove it—by faith I said, “I receive what Jesus said as the truth.” And it gave me life, and it changed my life, and it’s still changing it this very day.

Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). He said there are two ways of life. There’s the broad road. Most people are on that road. That’s where the glamour is, that’s where the drugs are, that’s where the sex is. You can go that road if you want to, or you can go the road that follows Jesus, which is narrow and tough.

It’s not easy to follow Him. He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). We don’t like that. When He said, “Take up a cross,” that would be like saying today, “Take up your electric chair and come after me,” because a cross was a place where criminals were executed. He said you have to pay a price if you come.

Somebody asked me, “What is the greatest surprise of your life?” I said, “The greatest surprise of my whole life is the brevity of life—how short it is.” It seems just yesterday that I was in high school. And I’m glad that one night in Charlotte a preacher preached the Gospel and told me that I needed to repent of my sins and receive Christ. And I did, and He changed my life. And now I know if I die, I’m going to Heaven. I know that.

A Christian also is a person who makes a change in the way he lives. If you come to Christ, you’ll have to change some things. Are you ready to pay that price? It’ll cost you. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Scripture says that you have to change your mind. You have to change your will so that you say, “I will follow Christ. I will believe in Christ.” It affects your total person.

Freud, the great psychiatrist in Europe, said that people change by renewing their fixations; Adler said that people change by renewing their goals. But that’s not it. People change when they come to Christ, because Christ changes them and makes them a new creation, a new creature. Changing from a defeated, problem-oriented person will depend upon first changing your mind and your heart by receiving Christ.

And then, third, a Christian is a person who has accepted a challenge. Will you accept the challenge of Jesus? He challenged the people of His day to come and follow Him. Some fishermen out fishing left their nets, left their fishing, left their businesses and followed Jesus. Jesus would walk down the streets of His day and say, “Follow me,” and they would follow Him. Many of them quit following Him, however, when they learned that He was going to die. You can’t be neutral.

Many people during the Civil War in America tried to be neutral. I read about one man who put on a blue coat and gray trousers because he was not going to take sides. They shot at him from both sides.

You have to make a choice. You have to accept the challenge. And it will cost you. I remember when I received Christ. I went to school the next day and things were different, but I couldn’t tell you what was different. I couldn’t tell you what had happened to me. I knew something had changed, but I didn’t know what. At school, one of the teachers made a remark. She said, “I hear we have a preacher in our midst today.” And several people looked around at me, including a girl I liked a lot. And I knew that I was paying my first price.

You may not be the most popular guy when you take your stand for Christ. You hear some of these great football players and some of these great athletes and some of these great stars talk about knowing Christ. They pay a price that you don’t even hear about, but they’re willing to follow Him and live for Him. Some things will drop off, but other things will come that will last for eternity.

I’m going to ask you to make a decision. I’m going to ask you to say yes to Christ. Say right now, “I’m willing to change my whole life if that’s what it takes. I am willing to follow Christ. I am willing to be His follower.” Come to the cross and say, “Lord, I’m a sinner. I’m sorry for my sins. I believe that You have been raised from the dead and that You are alive, and I give my life to You now.’”

Love Ur parents if u want to be loved by ur children.

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:39:00 +0000

THE WOODEN BOWL

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and afour-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight wasblurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together nightly at thedinner table. But

the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating rather

difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped theglass often milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law

became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about

grandfather,"

said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and

food on

the floor. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There,

grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner at the

dinner table. Since grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was

served in a wooden bowl. Sometimes when the family glanced in

grandfather's

direction, he had a tear in his eye as he ate alone. Still, the only

words

the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or

spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood

scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are youmaking?"

Just

as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you

and

mama to eat your food from when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and

went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were

speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no

word

was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took

grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for

some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a

fork

was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. Children are

remarkably perceptive.

Love Ur parents if u wants to be loved by ur children.

Obey your Parents

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 05:34:00 +0000

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents inthe Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the firstcommandment with promise ;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest livelong on the earth.

From this passage, we can learn the following:

Children are to obey their parents--that is, both mother and father. They are to obey their parents "in the Lord." This phrase contains a couple of ideas. First, to obey their parents is to obey the Lord. By obeying them "in the Lord" they are also in obedience to the Lord. The reverse is also true. To disobey their parents is to disobey the Lord. Second, this passage gives guidance to those dealing with wicked parents or parents that would lead the child into sin. If they are to be obeyed in the Lord, then obedience is not absolutely required if they are asked to do something that is in direct disobedience to God. For instance, if the child is told to steal something by one of his parents and the child knows that this is a sin against God, the child may refuse to obey this commandment. As you can understand, this usually deals with older children with ungodly parents. Even then, the instances are unusual.They are to obey their parents because it is right. They are not simply to obey because of fear or necessity. As they grow in the Lord, they should learn to obey because it is the desire of God and it is the right thing to do.They are to honor their father and mother. This goes beyond obedience It means to hold high; it means to give a special place of respect. Obedience will be the result of such honor, but obedience can be performed without honor.The command for children to honor their parents is one of the ten commandments and it is the first of the commandments that had a special promise attached to it. The promise is twofold: that "it may be well with thee" refers to the quality of life while "thou mayest live long on the earth" refers to the quantity of life. The children who honor their parents will have a better life and a longer life. Does this mean that all these children will live to 90 and beyond? Of course not. But they will extend the length of their life and improve the quality of their life by their honor and obedience.

Colossians 3:20 states,"Children,obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord."In this verse we learn that God is pleased when children obey their parents.

A Box of Kisses

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:24:00 +0000

A Box Of Kisses

The story goes that some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy." He was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty.

He yelled at her, "Don't you know that when you give someone a present,there's supposed to be something inside it?"

The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said,"Oh,Daddy, it is not empty. I blew kisses into the box. All for you, Daddy."

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.

It is told that the man kept that gold box by his bed for years and whenever hewas discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love ofthe child who had put it there.

In a very real sense, each of us as humans have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, friends, family and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

Student

Tue, 25 May 2010 06:04:00 +0000

The Year was 1902 when the professor would question his question to his student, whether it was God who created everything that exists in the universe?

Student replied: "Yes"

He again questioned "What about evil? Has God created evil also?"

The Student was silent. . . . Then student requested whether he may ask a question from him? .. .. .. Professor allowed him to do so,

He asked "Does cold exists?" Professor replied: "Yes, don't you feel the cold, dear?" Student said you are wrong Sir; Cold is the complete absence of heat; there is no cold, only complete absence of heat."

Student asked again: "Does Darkness exists?" Professor answered as "Yes"....Student "You are again wrong; there is no such thing as darkness; its actually the absence of Light; we can study light and heat but not darkness and cold.

Similarly. The evil does not exist; Actually it is the absence of Love, Faith and true belief in God.. .... ...

That Student was

ALBERT EINSTIEN

The Carpenter's Tools

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:12:00 +0000

The Carpenter's Tools

Brother Hammer served as the chairman. The other members of the tool belt informed him that he must leave, because he was too noisy. But brother Hammer said, "If I have to leave this carpenter's shop, then brother Gimlet must go too. He's insignificant and makes a very small impression." (A gimlet is a small tool with a screw point, grooved shank, and a cross handle for boring holes).

Little brother Gimlet arose and said, "All right, but brother Screwdriver must go also. You have to turn him around and around to get anywhere with him."

Brother Screwdriver turned to the other tools in the belt and said, "If you wish, I will go, but brother Plane must leave too. All of his work is on the surface; there's no depth to what he does."

To this brother Plane leveled his terse reply, "Well, then, brother Saw will have to depart too. The changes he proposes always cut too deep."

Brother Saw complained, saying, "Brother Ruler will have to withdraw if I leave, for he's always measuring other folks as though he were the only one who is right."

Brother Ruler then surveyed the group and said, "Brother Sandpaper doesn't belong here either. He's rougher than he ought to be, and is always rubbing people the wrong way."

In the midst of the discussion, the Carpenter of Nazareth walked in. He had come to perform his day's work. He put on His tool belt and went to the workbench to make a pulpit. He employed the ruler, the saw, the plane, the hammer, the gimlet, the screwdriver, the sandpaper, and all the other tools. When the day's work was over, the pulpit was finished, and the carpenter went home. All the accusations against each of these tools were absolutely true, yet the carpenter used every one of them. No matter which tool He use, no other tool could have done the work better.

THOUGHT: We are all "tools"" in Jesus' tool box. Each of us has a purpose, ability, and a task to perform.

"For we are God's fellow workers..." (1 Corinthians 3:9a; cf. 12:12ff).

The Source of True Wisdom

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 04:12:00 +0000

ITS very interesting topic..

Must read this...

Many people believe that the major problems people face can be solved by human wisdom, such as science and philosophy. But what are people's greatest problems? Aren't we concerned about war, crime, corruption, broken homes, delinquent children, alcoholism, drugs, death, and disease? Can human wisdom really solve these problems?

Jeremiah 10:23 says, "O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." Let's face it. Every real problem we have can be traced, directly or indirectly to sin. We are guilty of disobeying God!

Whether it be murder or stealing, pornography or adultery, alcoholism or lying, the problem is human lust, greed, and immorality. Even death and disease are in the world because sin is in the world. Ever since Adam and Eve, people have been "doing our own thing," following our own human wisdom. And it hasn't worked, and it won't work, because "the way of man is not in himself."

What people really need is the willpower to control our lusts and to learn to love others. Then we need to be made free from the guilt of our past sins (John 8:32.34). In other words, we need repentance and forgiveness.

Now what source of wisdom can we find that will tell us the truth about these issues? Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

Human wisdom cannot solve our real problems. But Divine wisdom can, provided we are willing to study it and obey it.

To please God, we must know the truth, and that truth is found in God's word.

Secret Of Obedience

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

There was a man who had a dream. He heard God speaking to him. "Press hard against the large rock". He did not understand this until the morning. He looked out from his hut and saw a huge rock that had rolled down the hillside.

He began to push and push, but he could not move the rock. Throughout the day he had several attempts, but he could not move it. Convinced that God had spoken to him, he made a mission of this task and for weeks he spent some hours every day but he could not budge the rock.

A traveler came by and asked him what he was doing. "God told me to move this rock" he replied. The traveler laughed and said, "You must be mistaken. You will never move a rock that large". Still the man continued his attempts to move the rock without success. Another traveler came by some weeks later and asked what he was doing.

"God told me to move this rock" he replied. The traveler scorned him and said, "Your God is stupid to ask such a thing. It is impossible. Give up". That night the man turned to God in his prayer. "Lord, I have done what you asked, but the task is impossible and it seems you have made fun of me. The travelers have mocked me for believing that I could move the rock as you asked me to do".

Then God spoke gently to him "My son. Look at your strong arms and legs; look at the rippling muscles in your back; look at the tanned hardness of your skin. Look at your increased strength. Look what has happened to you. You are a different man! I asked you to press against the rock and this you have done. I never told you to move it!"

Everything God asks us to do is for our own good.

Even if at the time we do not see it.

When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.!

When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.!

When people don't react the way you think they should ... just P.U.S.H.!

When your money looks gone and the bills are due ... just P.U.S.H.!

When people just don't understand you... just PUSH!

God Said, No

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:41:00 +0000

I asked God to take away my pride.

God said, No.

It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, No.

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.

Patience is a by product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No.

I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, No.

I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me Love others, as much as He loves me.

God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea. If you love God, share love!

This Day Is Yours Don't Throw It Away

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world"

written by Claudia Minden Weisz

Keep Your Fork

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:40:00 +0000

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued.

"I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request" said the pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.

'In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming... like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my

hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?".

Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork ... the best is yet to come."

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye.

He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much

experience and knowledge. She Knew that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.

During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her.

The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come.