Growing in Grace

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. -Proverbs 16:24 There are no words in the universe that have more power for good to us than the very words of God. The Psalms are a source of encouragment and comfort. The Proverbs give us sound, practical advice. The Gospels give us a fresh picture of Jesus. The Epistles teach us how to live. Revelation gives us a picture of our eternal future. -From  The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional  by Debi Bryson; June 6; p. 165 Photo Credit Your Words by Third Day "Your words give us life that's never ending. Your words bring us love that never fails. Everything else will fade away, but what will remain are your words."

Replace a complaining attitude. . . with a thankful one. Complaining is an attitude choice that if left unchecked will wither my capacity to experience joy and genuine thankfulness. When we express resentment over circumstances that are beyond our control and about which we are doing nothing, we are complaining. We choose our attitudes. Attitudes are patterns of thinking formed over a long period of time. Complaining is a sin. Complaining questions God's sovereignty . It hurts God and others around us. God gives each of us the right amount of adversity to accomplish His eternal purposes in our lives. By complaining about your trial, you are flushing away the grace of God. Our consequence for complaining is a joyless life. When we set out to replace a bad atittude, we need to pray and then put a good attitude in its place. Thankfulness is the attitude that perfectly displaces my sinful tendancy to complain and thereby release joy and blessing into my life. Everyone can mak

Photo Credit It is better to live humbly. . . Proverbs 16:9 "Better" = "pleasant, excellent, valuable, glad, happy, prosperous, and kind." All this good comes when we are happy and contented with the low, humble places and things in life. When we're not comparing. When we're not spending all our time working things to our advantage. The definition of simple is "not complicated, easy to do, not luxurious or elegant." Trust God's strength, wisdom and love and allow Him to guide you. -From  The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional  by Debi Bryson; June 4; p. 163

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.  - James 4:1-3 Photo Credit Many times the reason we do not get along is because we are jealous. Every good thing comes from God (James 1:17). We need to be thankful for what we have.

"For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." So they began to celebrate . -Luke 15:24 Circumstances in life can change so rapidly. One day we think we are safe and secure. . . and the next day brings devastating problems that bring us to our knees. Like Job in the Old Testament, problems can hit us like a tsunami and wipe out all our joys in a single moment. Are you filled with uncertainty? Do you feel on top of the world one day and down in the valley the next? Hang on! God will help level out your days with His loving care and guidance, and He will help you find your way. Photo Credit -From the Homeschool Mom's Bible ; devotions by Janet Tatman; March 11; p. 288

From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. -James 3:10 The fountain provides cool water that man needs to stay alive. Man needs water not only for drinking, but also for washing, coooking, farming, and a host of other activities. The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. -Proverbs 18:4 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life. -Provebs 10:11 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. -Proverbs 13:14 These verses parallel what James has written and underscore the importance of our words. Water is life-giving, and our words can give life. However, if water is not controlled, it brings death and destruction. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. -Proverbs 18:21 Water also cleanses. Our words to others can also help to cleanse and sanctify them. The tongue is delightful because it is like a tree. Trees

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. . .You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? -James 2:17, 20 You show your faith is real by your actions. People with dead faith think their words are as good as works. They are wrong. As believers we have an obligation to help meet the needs of people, no matter who they may be. To help a person in need is an expression of love, and faith works by love. Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration. That kind of faith is dead faith. John Calivn said, "It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone." True saving faith can never be by itself: it always brings life, and life produces good works. True saving faith leads to action. It continues throughout teh whole life. It leads to works. -From The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament by Warren Wiersbe; pp. 864-8

Photo Credit In James 2, God commands us to not have personal favorites. He says if we treat people differently because "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." they are rich or poor, we have made ourselves judges with evil motives. We have dishonored the poor man and committed sin. As Christians, we are to fulfill the royal law which says, Our neighbor is anyone who needs our help (Luke 10:25-37) "Love thy neighbor" is called the royal law because it was given by the King. God the Father gve it in the law and the Son reaffirmed it to His disciples (John 13:34). God the Spirit fills our hearts with God's love and expects us to share it with others. Also, it rules all the other laws (Romans 13:10). Love enables us to obey the Word of God and treat people as God commands us to do. Showing respect of persons can lead a person into disobeying all of God's law. Christian love does not mean that I must like a person and agree with him on everything.

Photo Credit But prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves. -James 1:22 If our faith is real, we are to be obedient to God's Word. Control your temper and tongue. Care for others. Keep yourself unstained from the world by being careful what you do. -From Kay Arthur's  Discover 4 Yourself; Children's Bible Study Series: Boy, Have I Got Problems! (Book of James)

Photo Credit Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. -James 1:19 Letting anger rule us does not meet God's standard. Sometimes we get angry, which is okay as long as we don't sin. The next time you get angry, pray! Ask God to help you be obedient to His Word  - to be slow to speak and slow to get angry. -From Kay Arthur's  Discover 4 Yourself; Children's Bible Study Series: Boy, Have I Got Problems! (Book of James)

Photo Credit God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle. He will provide a way out. -1 Corinthians 10:13 -Sin not only affects us but those around us. -God is to be obeyed, and He will judge sin. -Temptation comes from inside of us when we want our way instead of God's. -Go to God and ask for help in overcoming temptations

Photo Credit Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. -James 1:12 This verse promises that the believer is rewarded by enduring trials. He is rewareded by growth in Christian character, by bringing glory to God, and by being granted a crown of life when Jesus returns. God does not help us by removing the tests, but by making the tests work for us. -From Kay Arthur's  Discover 4 Yourself; Children's Bible Study Series: Boy, Have I Got Problems! (Book of James)

Brothers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation - since they will pass away like a wild flower. -James 1:9-10 The poor man sees his need for God. God sees being poor as a high poisiton because the person is humble. When we see our need, we run to God and put our trust in Him. The rich man is to glory in humiliation. In other words the rich man is to get excited when he sees his need for God. -From Kay Arthur's  Discover 4 Yourself; Children's Bible Study Series: Boy, Have I Got Problems! (Book of James)

Glory Days Joshua 23 In spite of the odds against Joshua, God guaranteed the conquest. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. -Joshua 1:5 God gives you the same promise. . . . God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" -Hebrews 13:5-6 If the Lord is my helper, what can anyone do to us? God not only steps with you - He fights for you. The Hebrews took the land not because of their skill but God's. Throughout the book of Joshua, God does the fighting. (Joshua 1:11; 1:13; 3:5; 4:23; 6:16) "The Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you." (Joshua 23:9-10) This is Glory Days living. ". . .But with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people g

Glory Days Joshua 21:43-45 Faith is a choice. Promised Land people risk the choice. "God keeps His promises. Trust Him." The Lord gave. . . rest. . . according to all He had sowrn to their fathers (v. 44). Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken. . . All came to pass (v. 45). God promised to bless Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3). This promise was partially fulfilled in Joshua and completely fulfilled in Jesus. In Jesus every person has hope and the possibility of redemption (2 Corinthians 1:20). Promised Land people choose to believe that God is up to something good even though all we see looks bad. When fears, doubts or guilt overwhelms you, remember "But God said. . ." When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. -Isaiah 43:2 His divine power has given us everyth

Glory Days Joshua 14:6-15 All people have problems. But not all people see problems the same way. Caleb faced his problems with faith. While the ten other spies were too afraid to take the land of Canaan, Caleb, along with Joshua, believed they could. God said of Caleb, "My servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly." (Numbers 14:24) Caleb "wholly followed the Lord." His mind was centered on the Lord. Promised Land people do not deny the presence of problems, but they immerse their minds in God-thoughts. Make a deliberate decision to keep your thoughts on God . (Colossians 3:2) Turn a deaf ear to doubters . Caleb chose to ignore the ten doubters. He filled his mind with faith. Caleb lived with a highter call. He desired to have the land of Hebron to take care of it. Do you have a holy cause? A faith worth preserving? A mission worth living for? In the kingdom of Christ we gain by giving, not taking. We advance by serving , not dem

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? -Proverbs 20:24 When interruptions and even disasters come unexpectedly and quite uninvited, how do you respond? Scripture says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28 When you have a situation you don't understand, ask God to help you trust Him completely and to help you look for treasures and lessons He has for you. . . We do not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. -From The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional by Debi Bryson; August 6; p. 229

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  -James 1:5 Photo Credit We should ask God for wisdom. Wisdom and power belong to Him. It is God who reveals the profound and hidden things. (Daniel 2:20, 22) God is not stingy, He gives wisdom generously to those who ask. We need to ask for wisdom in faith, without doubt. -From Kay Arthur's  Discover 4 Yourself; Children's Bible Study Series: Boy, Have I Got Problems! (Book of James)

A good reminder in our present times. . . The Lord of Hosts has sworn saying, "Surely just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand. -Isaiah 14:24 God is sovereign. He rules over everything. Everything that happens to us must first be okayed by God. If we are God's children and love Him, all things (even bad things) will turn our for our good.

Glory Days Joshua 11-12 The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others (1 Corinthians 12:7, CEV). Each of us. . . has a special way. . . This is you at your best. When you stand at the intersection of your skill and God's call, you are standing at the corner of the Promised Land and Glory Days. This is Canaan. One command in the book of Joshua: know your territory and possess it. Joshua's first goal was to establish Israel in Canaan by taking the land, neutralizing the enemy armies and eliminating the kings. The inheritance was for everyone, but the assignments were individual. Jesus distributes unique gifts also (Ephesians 4:7-8). Everybody gets a gift (1 Corinthians 12:7). Our inheritance is grace based and equal. But our assignments are tailor-made. Do you understand what God desires for you? (Galatians 6:4) You be you (1 Peter 4:11). Ability reveals destiny. Your skill set is your road map. What you do for a living should conform to your design.

Glory Days Joshua 9-10 How bold are your prayers? Boldness in prayer is uncomfortable for some. But we are "to come boldly to the very throne of God." (Hebrews 4:16) Joshua entered into an alliance with the enemy because they didn't seek the counsel of God (Joshua 9:14). At every decision - ask Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (P roverbs 3:5-6). He gives us enough light to take the next step. We experience Glory Days because we learn to hear God's voice (Isaiah 30:21). Wait until God speaks before you act. Consult God in everything. Call on God for great things. Joshua prayed and asked for the sun and moon to be stopped (Joshua 10:12-15). God heard Joshua's prayer and did what he asked. When you face a battle, don't give in. Respond in prayer - honest, continual and audacious prayer. Call on God. Declare the name of Jesus. -

Glory Days Joshua 8:30-35 "Life comes with voices. Voices lead to choices. Choices have consequences." . . .Glory Days happen wehn we make good choices. Joshua built an altar to the Lord. Burnt offerings and peace offerings were made. Joshua wrote the law of Moses on the stones (Joshua 8:30-32). It was customary for kings to commemorate military achievements. Joshua, however, didn't memorialize his work. He celebrated God's law. Their strength came from keeping God's law. Heeding God's Word is fighting God's war. Conquest happens as the covenant is honored. "Obedience is the key to all doors." (C.S. Lewis) AS we obey, we open the door to God's favor (Exodus 20:6). Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:24). Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22). Voices await you today. Remember

Photo Credit "In all your ways acknowledge (the Lord), and He shall direct your paths." -Proverbs 3:6 Do you want to do something? Do you have a decision to make? Are you making a choice? Pause and pray - "Lord, is this right? Is it good? Does it please you?" -From The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional by Debi Bryson; August 22; p. 225

Photo Credit Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. -James 1:2-4 God allows us to have problems to test our faith - to help us become more like Jesus, perfect and complete. -From Kay Arthur's Discover 4 Yourself; Children's Bible Study Series: Boy, Have I Got Problems! (Book of James)

Glory Days Joshua 8:1-29 Joshua suffered a humiliating loss against the people of Ai. Joshua cried out to God in defeat. Failure finds us all. But God uses failures. God quickly and urgently told Joshua to get on with life (7:10; 8:1). Though you fail, God's love does not. Face your failures with faith in God's goodness. God's Promised Land offer does not depend on your perfection. It depends on His. You must believe God's grace is greater than your failures. You can arise and go to your Father. Put God's plan into place. When we follow God's strategy, victory happens. Joshua's second attempt to take Ai was successful. Failures are fatal only if we fail to learn from them. -From Glory Days by Max Lucado; chapter 10

Glory Days Joshua 7 Everything begins with faith. The absence of it results in wilderness years. The presence of it results in Promised Land living. . . Joshua trusted God. Most followed his example. Achan did not. Achan stole some of the items that were to be dedicated to the Lord (Joshua 7:1). God is enough . He cared for the Israelites in the wilderness. In the Promised Land, God was the sole source of blessings. God knew that if the soldiers collected treasures they would stop trusting Him and start trusting stuff. The Israelites were chased from Ai. Joshua cried out to God. God revealed that someone had stolen goods (vv. 11-12). Joshua reviewed each tribe, family and man until Achan was revealed and he confessed. "I saw. . . I wanted. . . I took." (vv. 20-21) Achan didn't trust God. Achan and his family were publicly executed and their possessions burned. This is a solemn waring to us. God is jealous for our trust. He demands it. What would a search of y

Glory Days Joshua 6 Mighty Jericho crumbled. Joshua didn't bring the walls down. God did that for them. God will do that for you. Your Jericho is your fear, anger, bitterness, prejudice, insecurity about the future, guilt about the past, negativity, anxiety, proclivity to criticize, overanalyze, or compartmentalize. Your Jericho is any attitude or mind-set that keeps you from joy, peace or rest. . . To live in the Promised Land, you must face your Jericho. It's not always easy. Satan must be moved off before the saint can move in. He will resist. But Satan has no authority over you. . . God's word to Joshua is God's word to us: "Be strong and of good courage." (v. 6) Take the land God has given you to possess. . . You are a coheir with Christ. Every attribute of Jesus is at your disposal. The question is not will you overcome? It is, when will you overcome? Life will always bring challenges. But God will always give strength to face them. . . Live ou

Glory Days Joshua 5:13-15 Joshua was near Jericho (Joshua 5:13). Perhaps you are facing a challenge unlike any you have ever faced before. It sits between you and a Promised Land. . . Like Joshua, you don't have to face your Jericho alone (Joshua 5:13-15). The guest was Jesus Himself, the "Commander of the army of the Lord." . . The Lord's army is made up of God's angels. Their presence is a Promised Land perk. All God's chidlren can be sure of God's angels. Joshua, like you, needed the reminder of God's presence. You will never face a Jericho alone (Ephesians 1:22; Hebrews 1:3). All authority has been given to him. His presence is part of our inheritance. God comes to his people. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) We must look up (Psalm 121:1-2) "We are never so strong or mighty that we do not need to worship. Worship-less people have no power greater than themselves to call on . The worship-less heart faces Jericho all a

The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them . -Proverbs 20:7 Integrity means completeness, rightness, and uprightness. This is living right with God and right with man. . . Those around us are blessed by a life that is a blessing. . . Do you ever think, "What is my legacy?" When you leave a room, a job or eventually this earthly life, what effect will you leave behind? Will others remember unselfish acts of thoughtfulness and service? Will they remember that they saw Jesus in you? But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. -2 Corinthians 2:14 Lord, I have a Bible, but do the words on the pages truly live in my life? . . . Today may my life reflect yours. -From The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional by Debi Bryson; July 28; p. 219

Photo Credit Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. -Luke 12:33 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share . -1 Timothy 6:18 Our possessions are given to us by God. He makes us stewards of horses, cars and "things" to accomplish His will. . . Do you have possessions and belongings that are sacred to you - things you would never consider giving up for the cause of Christ? Ironically, the things you hold on to so tightly are the very things that begin to possess and hang on to you. You may think you've earned them or have a right to them, but your possessions really belong to God. Will you use them for His glory instead of your own? -From the Homeschool Mom's Bible ; devotions by Janet Tatman; March 3; p. 256

Glory Days Joshua 4:1-5:12 The book of Joshua isn't about claiming real estate for a dislocated nation. It's about preserving a stage for God's redemption plan. Satan's counterstrategy was to contaminate the Promised Land and prempt the promised child. Joshua's battle was a spiritual one. So is ours. (Ephesians 6:12-16) Satan is a real and present foe of our faith. Any person wo has dared to draw near to God has felt Satan's attack. He has one objective: to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). After the people had crossed the Jordan River, Joshua commanded one man from each tribe to get a stone from where the priests stood. He stacked them and told the people they were to be a reminder of what God had done (vv. 21-23). The secret to survival in enemy territory? Remember what God has done. Satan has no recourse to your testimony. Your best weapon is a good memory. Remember whose you are. God commanded the men to be circumcised before they continued