A Handbook For The Living

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

Then Bible isn’t just a textbook, a storybook or a history book.  It’s a handbook for the living.  It’s the wisdom of God written down so that you can apply it to your everyday life.  

God’s Word is alive!  It is the only power strong enough to discipline every part of you.  It is the only power that can cause you to think, look, talk, and act like a person who has truly been changed.  The power of God’s Word will cause changes in you!  

Today's Thought: What way has God Word changed you?

God’s Word Is Eternal

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.  And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.  Genesis 1:1-3

God is all powerful.  Therefore, His Word is all powerful.  His Words contain the power to create.  Creation didn’t take place until God released words of faith.  Everything you can see, touch, taste or smell came into existence as a result of God’s Word.  God’s Word is the substance of all things.  Psalms 119:89 says that God’s Word is eternal, it cannot be changed.

Today's Thought: What are your words doing to those around you?

The Law Of Kindness

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  Proverbs 31:26

There is a law of kindness… laws always work. 

The law of Gravity, the law of sowing and reaping… and yes, the Law of Kindness always works. 

Spoken Kindness from your mouth has the ability to release life and goodness into a situation. Kindness is your choice; it is on your tongue.  

Here are some practical ways you can show kindness to others: 

Smile. Hold a door open for someone.  Send a card or gift to a person who you feel doesn't deserve it.  Bake some muffins for your neighbor.  Offer a ride to someone who has no car.  Buy someone a cup of coffee.  Invite a hurting person over for dinner.  Be a friend to someone who is lonely.  

This week, make a conscious effort to be kind. Keep your eyes open at all times for opportunities to use your fruit!

Loving Kindness

Blessed be the Lord: for he hath showed me his marvelous kindness… Psalm 31:21

As Christians we have received God’s kindness. God’s loving kindness came freely to us at a time we did not deserve it. Because we have received God’s kindness we are enabled to show kindness to everyone we come in contact with.  Putting others before yourself is the essence of kindness.  What are some ways you can show kindness to those around you?

Be Kind

A gracious (kind) woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches.  The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: Proverbs 11:16

No one wants to be around a jerk.  When you show kindness you display Christ.  Others feel loved when you are kind to them.  Being kind develops you as a person and helps you build friendships.

Kindness = Mercy

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

Kindness means to show sympathy, helpfulness, friendliness and thoughtfulness, towards another person. Kindness gives a blessing to others, even when they do not deserve it and it withholds punishment that is due. Kindness is being merciful. The words kindness and mercy can be interchanged.

Family! Caden 9 Months Old

What's Caden Doing at 9 Months?

Standing up by himself and taking little steps while holding on to things

Climbed 4 stairs all by himself

Learning to wave and clap

Said Papa

Loves to read, ride his pony, play with his monkeys and be tossed in the air

Celebrated his first Christmas

Eating: tomatoes, apple sauce, sweet red peppers, blueberries, oatmeal, french fries, toast and waffles

Weighs 19.8 pounds and is 28.75" tall

God's Wisdom Unlocks Every Door

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  James 1:5

When you’re facing a problem the first thing you should do is ask God for His wisdom.  God’s wisdom is the key that will unlock every door in your life.  God’s wisdom will turn any failure into success.  When you ask God for wisdom, He will give it to you generously!

Access to All God's Promises

Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.  2 Chronicles 1:12

Originally, this promise was made to Solomon… but IN CHRIST we have access to ALL the promises of God! You have been given God’s Wisdom!  It is in you!  You can walk in it 24/7.  Whenever you have a decision to make and you’re not sure what to do, ask God.  He will show you what to do, He will guide you in all your ways.

It's Valuable

But whoso hearkeneth unto me (Wisdom) shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.  Proverbs 1:33

God’s Wisdom is valuable!  It is the key to success, health, long life, peace, joy, security and prosperity.  Listen to God’s wisdom; don’t wait until a crisis happens.  Listen to His instructions on the everyday matters of life.  Then when big problems come, you’ll be ready.  You’ll be in the habit of hearing God’s wisdom.

Get His Wisdom!

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.  Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.  She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.  Proverbs 4:7-9

You need God’s wisdom!  How do you get it?  God’s wisdom is His Word.  Let the Bible, the wisdom of God, begin to influence your thinking. Soak your mind in it.  Don’t just scan the pages.  Dig into it.  Take it seriously.  Then pray, allow the Holy Spirit to give you insight.  God’s wisdom is supreme! Get His Wisdom!