Category Archives: Uncategorized

Uncategorized

Kids 4 Truth International – God’s Word Is Our Treasure

Leave a comment

“Thy word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Do you have a “treasure-keeper”? Most of us have a place where we keep those things that are special to us. Your special “treasure-keeping” place might be a shoebox on the top shelf of your closet, a locked safebox, a trophy case, a diary, a cookie tin, a dresser drawer–or maybe even under your bed! Our “treasures’ can be all sorts of things: baseball cards, jewelry, a souvenir from a favorite vacation, a photo of your grandpa and grandma on their wedding day, a letter from a friend you met at camp, or maybe a medal you won in a competition. Whatever form your “treasure-keeper” takes, it is the treasure kept inside it that really is special to you.

Continue reading Kids 4 Truth International – God’s Word Is Our Treasure →

Uncategorized

Joyce Meyer – Don’t Miss the Miracle

Leave a comment

And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching. —Luke 10:39

You will not enjoy the present moment and the gifts it contains if you don’t have a balanced attitude toward work. Luke 10:38-42 tells the story of Jesus’ visit to the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha was overly occupied and too busy (see Luke 10:40). But Mary sat down at Jesus’ feet and listened to what He had to say.

Jesus said Mary made the better choice. Jesus did not tell Martha not to work, but He did tell her not to be frustrated or have a bad attitude while she worked. Jesus wants you to work hard, but He also wants you to be wise enough to realize when you should stop all activity and not miss the miracle of the moment.

Continue reading Joyce Meyer – Don’t Miss the Miracle →

Uncategorized

Kids 4 Truth International – God Never Makes Mistakes

Leave a comment

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” (Psalm 18:30)

Have you ever tried to make it through a whole day without making a mistake, a wrong decision? When I was little I used to try so hard not to do anything wrong – not to sin – all day long. Of course, it didn’t take long before I did something wrong and sinned. Don’t you wish you could just decide to be perfect – and then not mess up? Well, you and I can’t do that, but there’s Someone that never messes up.

God never makes a mistake; He never sins! The verse I quoted above tells us that God’s words can be trusted. What God says has been “tried.” That means His word has been tested and proved. Isn’t it nice to know that we can trust what God says because He never makes a mistake? He has never made a mistake in the past and will never make one in the future. Even though we make mistakes, we know that God never will and that He can help us make fewer mistakes in the future.

Continue reading Kids 4 Truth International – God Never Makes Mistakes →

Uncategorized

The Navigators – Jerry Bridges – Holiness Day by Day Devotional – One Blessing After Another

1 Comment

Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 1:2

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”

John wrote that Jesus was “full of grace and truth” and that “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:14,16). The idea portrayed is analogous to the ocean waves crashing upon the beach. One wave has hardly disappeared before another arrives. They just keep coming from an inexhaustible supply. So it is with the grace of God through Christ. He’s full of grace and truth, and from his inexhaustible fullness we receive one blessing after another.

Continue reading The Navigators – Jerry Bridges – Holiness Day by Day Devotional – One Blessing After Another →

Uncategorized

Girlfriends in God – Three Answers You Need to Know

Leave a comment

“In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth”

Genesis 1:1

Friend to Friend

Who are you?

Where did you come from?

Why are you here?

Continue reading Girlfriends in God – Three Answers You Need to Know →

Uncategorized

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – ADULTEROUS WOMAN: PROVISION FOR SHAME

Leave a comment

Read John 8:1-11

Try to imagine this scene: a woman is on trial for a crime that everyone knows she has committed. The judge renders the verdict of “Guilty!” But then the judge steps down from the bench and offers to take the punishment in her place. The woman is left standing, free from guilt before the law but not free from shame before the crowd. They all know what she did.

In our reading today, a woman was caught in the act of adultery. She stood silent before her accusers, defenseless before the Law and the crowd. Her guilt and her shame were exposed and confirmed by all.

What would Jesus say to this woman? God the Father once carved the Law on tablets of stone; now the fingers of God the Son etched a pattern in the temple dust. The Law was not wrong to condemn adultery. Using it as a weapon to justify self-righteousness at the expense of someone else, however, was wrong. Jesus demonstrated how to uphold both the Law and God’s original intent for it.

Continue reading Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – ADULTEROUS WOMAN: PROVISION FOR SHAME →

Uncategorized

Night Light for Couples – Many Troubles

Leave a comment

 

“’I hate divorce,’ says the Lord God of Israel.” Malachi 2:16

Who would know better than the architect of marriage that living with another person day in and day out isn’t always easy? God understands what we’re going through, even in our worst circumstances. When Paul stated that “those who marry will face many troubles in this life” (1 Corinthians 7:28), he wasn’t kidding! Fortunately, God has given us a blueprint in Scripture for success and fulfillment in our marriage relationship. The Lord designed marriage for our benefit, and He knows that destroying this partnership is harmful to us in countless ways.

No wonder God hates divorce. He has made it clear that the concept of separating permanently from one’s marriage partner is not only unacceptable, but abhorrent. The only exception He has recorded for us is in the case of adultery, and even in that situation there is room for forgiveness and reconciliation if we follow Christ’s merciful example.

Our encouragement to you as a husband and wife who seek God’s best is a very personal one. As Jim and I have sought out and followed the Word of God, we have found all the stability and fulfillment in our marriage that He has promised! And you will, too. Marriage is His idea, after all, and His principles and values naturally produce harmony between people. It’s sinful behaviors that kill a relationship.

When your time of “many troubles” strikes, Satan will be ready at just the right moment to suggest the “solution” of divorce. Perhaps you’ve already arrived at this place in the past. Surely you know and love couples who have come to this moment, and have chosen to believe Satan’s lie.

My prayer is that you will believe God instead.

– Shirley M Dobson

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

Uncategorized

Our Daily Bread — The Cross and the Crown

Leave a comment

 

Read: John 19:21-30

Bible in a Year: Isaiah 53-55; 2 Thessalonians 1

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. —John 11:25

Westminster Abbey in London has a rich historical background. In the 10th century, Benedictine monks began a tradition of daily worship there that still continues today. The Abbey is also the burial place of many famous people, and every English monarch since ad 1066 has been crowned at the Abbey. In fact, 17 of those monarchs are also buried there—their rule ending where it began.

No matter how grandiose their burial, world rulers rise and fall; they live and die. But another king, Jesus, though once dead, is no longer buried. In His first coming, Jesus was crowned with thorns and crucified as the “king of the Jews” (John 19:3,19). Because Jesus rose from the dead in victory, we who are believers in Christ have hope beyond the grave and the assurance that we will live with Him forever. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (11:25-26).

We serve a risen King! May we gladly yield to His rule in our lives now as we look forward to the day when the “Lord God Almighty” will reign for all eternity (Rev. 19:6). —Bill Crowder

Thank You, Jesus, for rising from the dead and that You are alive forever.To learn more about the crown and cross Christ bore, check out The Mockery and Majesty of the Cross at discoveryseries.org/hp081

Jesus’ resurrection spelled the death of death.

INSIGHT: At Jesus’ crucifixion, all of the disciples (except John) were in hiding (Matt. 26:56; John 19:26). However, a group of women from Galilee kept vigil at the execution grounds until His burial (Matt. 27:55; Luke 23:55-46). “Many other women” were also there (Mark 15:41), but only four are identified in John 19:25: “his mother” (Mary); “his mother’s sister” (whom scholars say is Salome, the mother of Zebedee’s sons James and John); “Mary the wife of Clopas” (believed to be “Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph”); and “Mary Magdalene” (see Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40). Sim Kay Tee

 

Night Light - James & Shirley Dobson, Uncategorized

Night Light for Couples – Differing Assumptions

Leave a comment

 

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5

As in last night’s story, “The Argument,” a difficult day can quickly lead to an unnecessarily heated exchange between spouses. Fatigue, problems with the kids or job, illness, or financial worries can make anyone more susceptible to a fight. So can the condition I (jcd) call “differing assumptions.” For example, after a particularly grueling series of speaking appear‐

ances some years ago, I came dragging home on Friday night feeling I’d earned a day off. I planned to watch a USC‐Alabama football game on TV the next day. That seemed like a reasonable plan for a guy who had been out earning a living day and night. Shirley, on the other hand, had been running our home and watching the kids for six weeks and felt it was time I pitched in on a few chores. It was entirely reasonable for Shirley to think that she deserved some help at home after doing “domestic duty” for six weeks. Our assumptions collided about ten o’clock Saturday morning. Harsh words froze our relationship for three days. It was a stupid fight, but understandable in light of factors like overwork, fatigue, selfishness, and very different views of what the other was thinking.

When we’re making our own plans we need to remember to consider our partner’s mental and physical state. During stressful circumstances, we should take extra care to communicate our expectations ahead of time.

Just between us…

  • Have differing assumptions caused us to argue recently?
  • How can I do a better job of being aware of your mood?
  • Do we communicate our expectations ahead of time?

Lord, by Your Spirit, help us to be aware of each other’s needs and to take care in our communication. Draw us together in unity and in love of You. Amen.

From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

Uncategorized

Charles Stanley – The Reward of Letting Go

Leave a comment

 

Genesis 22:1-3

While it’s often a struggle to put everything on the altar, one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand how God will accomplish His plans. All He asks is that you surrender your will to His and trust that He will show you the way forward (Prov. 3:5-6). Abraham’s willingness to give up what was most precious to him came from his unyielding faith in the Lord’s trustworthiness.

However, if you tell God no because He won’t explain why He wants us to do something, we are actually hindering His blessing. But when we say yes to Him, heaven opens to pour out His goodness and reward our obedience. What matters more than material blessings are the things He is teaching us in our spirit. But don’t mistake His way of rewarding as being like a parent who withholds a treat until the child does as he’s told. Rather, obeying the Lord naturally positions us to receive what He is already trying to give us and accomplish in our lives. So, when we fail to trust Him and refuse to do what He says, we are the ones choosing to close ourselves off from those good things.

What has God asked you to do? Have you only partially cooperated? Or have you, like Abraham, given up your need to understand and then obeyed completely?

If the Lord says to give more than you think you’re able to give, know that He will provide. Whether things are running smoothly or the bottom has dropped out, He is always trustworthy. You can count on almighty God to keep His everlasting Word.

Bible in One Year: Micah 1-4

Uncategorized

Alistair Begg – Consider What Your Actions Say

Leave a comment

 

For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” Ezra 8:22

A convoy on many accounts would have been desirable for the pilgrim band, but Ezra was ashamed to ask for one. He feared that the heathen king might think his professions of faith in God were mere hypocrisy or might imagine that the God of Israel was not able to preserve His own worshipers. He could not bring his mind to depend on human instruments in a matter so evidently of the Lord, and therefore the caravan set out with no visible protection, and yet guarded by Him who is the sword and shield of His people.

It is to be feared that few believers sense this holy jealousy for God; even those who in some measure walk by faith occasionally spoil the sparkle of their life by seeking help from man. It is a most blessed thing to have no props and no buttresses, but to stand upright on the Rock of Ages, upheld by the Lord alone. Would any believers seek government funds for their church if they remembered that the Lord is dishonored by their asking for Caesar’s help? As if the Lord could not supply the needs of His own cause! Would we run so quickly to friends and relatives for assistance if we remembered that the Lord is glorified by our obvious reliance on His solitary arm? My soul, wait only on God.

“But,” says one, “are means never to be used?” Certainly they are. But our fault seldom lies in their neglect: Far more frequently it springs from foolishly believing in them instead of believing in God. Few run too far in neglecting the arm of man; but many sin greatly in making too much of it.

So learn, dear reader, to glorify the Lord by leaving means untried, if by using them you would dishonor the name of the Lord.

The Family Bible Reading Plan

  • 2 Samuel 20
  • 2 Corinthians 13

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Uncategorized

Charles Stanley – Our Source of Comfort

Leave a comment

 

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

The world’s definition of comfort is ”the alleviation of suffering or despair.” However, the Lord has a different view. The hardship He allows to enter a believer’s life is a teaching tool. Because we mature spiritually when we exercise faith, our Father doesn’t remove the cause of our troubles but instead gives us the encouragement and strength to work through them.

Whether we are in immediate pain or not, the Holy Spirit is available to us. God sent His Spirit to dwell within everyone who believes—in that way, our source of help is as close as our own beating heart. Nobody else understands our need the way He does. When we feel unable to bear one more second of affliction, He whispers into our soul, “Yes, you can, because I am here.” There is no healing balm like the voice of God’s Spirit.

In some circumstances, the Spirit directs our minds to Scripture. Reading a passage is a way to hear directly from the Lord. This is one of the reasons I encourage turning to the Bible during times of trial. A scripture’s personal meaning and application may not be apparent immediately, but God will bring the verse to mind when it’s most needed.

The day that someone receives Christ, he or she is sealed as God’s child. The Lord can’t break His promises, and He has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). He will not allow us to be hurt any more than He knows we can stand—and since He is omnipresent, He’s always available to help us. His comfort is available and adequate to meet the need, whatever our level of affliction.

Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 46-48

Uncategorized

Greg Laurie – No Spiritual Vacations

Leave a comment

 

In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.—2 Samuel 11:1

Years ago when I was speaking in Hawaii, I met someone who told me he was on a spiritual vacation. He said he was taking some time off from his Christian life.

I told him that was no vacation, and we had a long talk. He ended up recommitting his life to Christ, and I’m glad to say that he is still serving the Lord today.

The moment we back off in the spiritual battle, we will be vulnerable. The moment we fall asleep, we will be weak. That is what happened to King David. He was plucked from obscurity as a shepherd to become the great king of Israel, leading his troops into battle. He was a powerful and godly man. But after years of walking with the Lord, David put his spiritual life on cruise control. We read in 2 Samuel 11:2 that “late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.”

What was David doing? He was kicking back. Interestingly, his troops were out on the battlefields. And David, the warrior king, should have been leading them as he always did. Instead, he was taking some time off.

That is why the apostle Paul told Timothy, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22). These words are not merely directed to young people. You can be an older man or an older woman and still chase after youthful lusts.

You don’t feed lust; you starve it. Stay away from anything that would encourage immoral living.

Uncategorized

Max Lucado – God Gets Us Through Stuff

Leave a comment

Whatever it is—you’ll get through this! You think you won’t. But we all do. We fear the depression will never lift, the yelling will never stop, the pain will never leave. We wonder, will this gray sky ever brighten? Will we ever exit this pit?

Yes…yes!  Deliverance is to the Bible what jazz music is to Mardi Gras: big, bold, and everywhere. Out of the lion’s den for Daniel, the prison for Peter, the whale’s belly for Jonah, the grave for Lazarus, and the shackles for Paul. God gets us through stuff. Through the wilderness, through the valley of the shadow of death. Through is a favorite word of God’s. Isaiah 4:32 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. . .”

You will get through this!

Uncategorized

Discovering God’s Design – Everything Is Mine!

Leave a comment

Stewardship Study Bible

Psalm 108:7–9

God’s ownership goes hand in hand with his victory: “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem … Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; … Moab is my washbasin … over Philistia I shout in triumph” (Ps 108:7–9). Wicked and disobedient people may prosper in the present life, but the psalms remind us over and over again of the truth: All the wealth of the world one day will be returned to its rightful Owner. “For from him and through him and for him are all things” (Ro 11:36).

Christian financial stewardship leaders Larry Burkett (1939–2003) and Ron Blue relate an anonymous tale. Despite its lighthearted tone, it is difficult not to squirm at its truth:

Mr. and Mrs. Thing are a very pleasant and successful couple.

At least, that’s the verdict of most people who tend to measure success with a “thingometer.”

When the “thingometer” is put to work in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Thing, the result is startling.

There is Mr. Thing sitting down on a luxurious and very expensive thing, almost hidden by a large number of other things.

Things to sit on, things to sit at, things to cook on, things to eat from, all shiny and new.

Things, things, things.

Things to clean with and things to wash with and things to clean and things to wash.

And things to amuse and things to give pleasure and things to watch and things to play.

Things for the long, hot summer and things for the short, cold winter.

Things for the big thing in which they live and things for the garden and things for the deck and things for the kitchen and things for the bedroom.

And things on four wheels and things on two wheels and things to put on top of the four wheels and things to pull behind the four wheels and things to add to the interior of the thing on four wheels.

Things, things, things.

And there in the middle are Mr. and Mrs. Thing, smiling and pleased as punch with things, thinking of more things to add to things.

Secure in their castle of things …

Well, I just want you to know that your things can’t last.

They’re going to pass. There’s going to be an end to them …

And someday, when you die, they only put one thing in the box.

You.

Think About It

  • What does it mean to you that God owns even the nations?
  • In what ways do you resonate with the story told by Burkett and Blue?
  • It’s likely the story reminds you of a truth that you already know. So why is it so difficult to prioritize life properly?

Pray About It

Lord of all, I praise you for your might and power. And I pray that I will be a good steward of all the things that you have given to me in this life.

Our Daily Bread, Uncategorized

Our Daily Bread — One Step Closer

Leave a comment

 

Read: Romans 13:10-14

Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 4-6; John 6:1-21

Now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. —Romans 13:11

Some years ago a friend and I set out to climb Mount Whitney. At 14,505 feet, it is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. We arrived at Whitney Portal late one evening, rolled out our sleeping bags at base camp, and tried to get some sleep before we began our ascent at first light. Whitney is not a technical climb but rather a long, exhausting walk—11 miles of relentless ascent.

The climb, though hard-going, was exhilarating, with stunning vistas, beautiful blue lakes, and lush meadows along the way. But the trail grew long and exhausting, a test for legs and lungs. I thought of turning back as the day wore on and the trail seemed to stretch endlessly before us.

Occasionally, however, I caught a glimpse of the summit and realized that each step was bringing me one step closer. If I just kept walking, I would get there. That was the thought that kept me going.

Paul assures us, “Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). Every day brings us one day closer to that great day when we shall “summit” and see our Savior’s face. That’s the thought that can keep us going. —David Roper

Dear Lord, may I, for the joy set before me, endure with patience the hardship of the trail. When my journey is over, I will see You face to face and live with You forever.

Now we see Jesus in the Bible, but someday we’ll see Him face to face.

INSIGHT: Paul often discusses the need to walk (live) properly. He writes to the church in Ephesus to remind them to walk in the light of good deeds because they have been saved by God’s grace (Eph. 2:1-10). To the church in Rome, he prescribes a different motivation for living according to the Lord Jesus Christ—because “salvation is nearer” (Rom. 13:11). Because the time of the Lord’s return is approaching, we are to leave behind the deeds of darkness.

Share your thoughts on today’s devotional on Facebook or odb.org.

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Miracle of Birth

Leave a comment

 

“Did you ever see a cowboy film,” the novelist Marian Keyes was once asked by a friend, “where someone has been caught by the Indians and tied between two wild stallions, each pulling in opposite directions?” “Yes,” Marian said, nodding. “That’s a bit what giving birth is like.”

Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?

Genesis 21:7

For all its pain, there is nothing as miraculous, incredible and hopeful as birth. America was very nearly destroyed by the Civil War, but Abraham Lincoln restored the nation’s spirits for the future when he spoke of a “new birth of freedom” in his Gettysburg Address. In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ concept of being “born again” left Nicodemus in wonderment. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother‘s womb and be born?” Nicodemus asked the Savior. Abraham’s wife Sarah, far beyond her childbearing years, thought the idea that she would give birth was laughable and ludicrous…until God made it happen.

It’s not too late – for you, for America or for those you love who seem beyond hope. New birth will be possible, even inevitable, when God hears your faithful prayers!

Recommended Reading: John 3:1-16

Uncategorized

Joyce Meyer – You’re Never Too Old to Grow in Your Thinking

Leave a comment

 

. . . whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [flex your minds on them]. Philippians 4:8

Dr. Caroline Leaf, a leading brain scientist/learning specialist and committed Christian, notes in her teaching on the brain: “The Word and science believe that the mind and the brain are one.” The way you think is voluntary—you can control your thoughts. I want you to give your brain a new job and begin to teach your mind to work for you instead of against you.

One important way to do this is to make the intentional decision that you will begin to think positively. I realize your brain won’t be able to fulfill the new role completely overnight. You may be asking it to undergo a radical transformation, and that will take time. So give it a little grace, but determine that with your diligence and God’s help, your brain will go to work for you instead of against you and become a powerful, positive force in your life.

I like what Dr. Leaf says—that the human brain takes “eighteen years to grow and a lifetime to mature.” Don’t miss this point. Although every other organ in the body is fully formed when a person is born, and simply gets bigger as the body gets bigger, the brain actually takes a full eighteen years to be fully formed. After that, it continues to mature until the day a person dies. This means, no matter how old you are, your brain is still maturing. This is great news because it means you do not have to be stuck in any old or wrong thought patterns. Your brain is still maturing, so you can still mature in your thinking.

Trust in Him What comes to mind immediately when I ask: In what way(s) is your mind working against you? Remember, it takes a lifetime for your brain to mature. Trust that it’s never too late to change your mind!

Uncategorized

C.S. Lewis Daily – Today’s Reading

Leave a comment

 

On happiness

What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could “be like gods”—could set up on their own as if they had created themselves—be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.

From Mere Christianity
Compiled in Words to Live By

Uncategorized

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – God’s Home Is Holy

Leave a comment

 

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the house of God, and that the Spirit of God lives among you in His house? If anyone defiles and spoils God’s home, God will destroy him. For God’s home is holy and clean, and you are that home” (1 Corinthians 3:16,17).

At this writing, I am with the staff at our annual training on the campus of Colorado State University. In addition to the 3,000 United States and Canadian field staff of Campus Crusade for Christ who are here, thousands more are attending music workshops, summer school, numerous conferences and meetings on this campus. Also, the entire Denver Broncos professional football team is here for training.

Throughout the day, from early morning till late at night, the campus is alive with people jogging, roller-skating, playing tennis, walking and other physical activities. These people are disciplining their bodies, keeping them in good physical tone.

Sadly, however, I also witness many people who lack interest in physical well-being by smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. A stroll down the sidewalks of this beautiful campus will reveal numerous smokers. And, in the early hours, before the clean-up crews go to work, one can see in the gutters the empty beer cans from the previous night’s revelry and carousing.

The body of the Christian is the temple of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19 and 1 Corinthians 3:16,17). For this reason, God asks us to present our bodies as “living sacrifices,” holy and righteous, for God could dwell in no less a temple.

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 3:11-15

TODAY’S ACTION POINT:  I will take especially good care of my body – physically, mentally, spiritually – realizing it is the temple of God’s Holy Spirit.