OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE
The wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter (Ecclesiastes 8:5,6 NIV).
Daily Devotional:
The wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter (Ecclesiastes 8:5,6 NIV).
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
You are comprised of at least two major parts: your material self and your immaterial self. The outer man is your physical body, and the inner man is your soul/spirit that includes the ability to think, to feel, to choose (mind, emotions and will are often collectively identified as the soul), and to relate to God (spirit). Your body is in union with your soul/spirit, and that makes you physically alive.
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38, 39).
Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love (2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV).
Let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful (Titus 3:14).
Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV)
The world's concept of happiness is getting what we want. All merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need a flashier car, sexier cologne, or any number of items that are better, faster or easier to use than what we already have. We watch the commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest fashions, fads and fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we're not really happy until we get what we want.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15).
You can guard your intimate relationships by monitoring how you verbally express your emotions to them. For example, you're having a terrible day at the office, so you call home and say to your wife, "Honey, I'm having a bear of a day. I won't be home until about 6:00 p.m. and I have a meeting at church at 7:00. Could you have dinner ready when I get home?"
You are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's (Matthew 16:23).
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).
Early in my pastoral ministry I received one of those middle-of-the-night telephone calls that every pastor dreads: "Pastor, our son has been in an accident. They don't expect him to live. Could you please come to the hospital?"