Sunday, July 6, 2025

Nightly Bible Devotion 10

 ~You Will Win~

Nightly Bible Verse

Let me not be ashamed, O Lord: for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. ~Psalm 31:17

Nightly Inspiration

We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.

Nightly Prayer

Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance ALL the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Jesus Is My Rock!!!!

When You Pray

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. ~Matthew 8:10

Morning Bible Verse

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. ~Proverbs 17:28

Morning Prayer

Lord, open my mind that I may be aware of Your presence in my daily life, In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Afternoon Bible Verse

This is say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ~Galatians 5:16

Nightly Bible Verse

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ~Isaiah 41:10

Nightly Prayer

Dear Lord, that all throughout Scripture, time, and time again, You showed Your faithful love to Your people. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Signs Accompanying Believers

 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues

Mark 16:17 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

In Mark 16:17, Jesus describes the supernatural signs that will accompany the believers. These signs, such as driving out demons and speaking in new tongues, serve as a testament to the authority and power of Jesus’ name. They also demonstrate the transformative nature of faith in Christ and the empowerment that believers receive through the Holy Spirit.
 
As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that the same power that enabled the early disciples to perform miracles and overcome spiritual darkness is also available to us today. As we grow in our faith and submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can experience God’s power at work in our lives and become effective witnesses for Christ.

Time to reflect

To apply the lessons from this verse, consider these points:
 
  • Reflect on the power and authority of Jesus’ name and the significance of the supernatural signs accompanying believers.
  • Acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life and seek to submit to His leading and guidance.
  • Pray for the courage and faith to be an effective witness for Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
  • Seek opportunities to minister to others, trusting in the power of Jesus’ name and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
  • Encourage fellow believers in their faith journey and their experiences of God’s power at work in their lives.

Prayer Of The Day

Lord Jesus, thank You for the power and authority that You have given us through Your name. We are grateful for the supernatural signs that accompany believers, showing the world the transformative power of faith in You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and help us to submit to His leading and guidance in our lives.
 
Empower us to be effective witnesses for You, sharing Your love and grace with others. Grant us the courage and faith to minister to those in need, trusting in the power of Your name and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Strengthen and encourage our fellow believers as they experience Your power at work in their lives. In Your mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

To apply the lessons from this verse, take these action steps:
 
  1. Reflect on the power and authority of Jesus’ name in your own life and how it has impacted your faith.
  2. Seek to develop a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and study of the Word.
  3. Identify areas in your life where you can be a witness for Christ and share His love with others.
  4. Pray for opportunities to minister to others, trusting in the power of Jesus’ name and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
  5. Encourage and support fellow believers as they grow in their faith and experience God’s power in their lives.

Today's Wisdom

The supernatural signs that accompany believers serve as a powerful reminder of the authority and power of Jesus’ name. As followers of Christ, let us submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and trust in the power of Jesus’ name to guide and empower us in our journey of faith.


Jesus, The Perfect Reflection of the Father

 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

John 5:19 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

In John 5:19, Jesus makes a powerful statement about His relationship with God the Father. He explains that He does not act independently but only does what He sees the Father doing. This passage highlights the unity between Jesus and the Father, illustrating how Jesus is the perfect reflection of God’s character, will, and actions.
 
As followers of Christ, we should strive to imitate Jesus in our own lives, seeking to align ourselves with God’s will and purpose. By studying the life and teachings of Jesus, we gain insight into the heart of God and learn how to live a life that pleases Him.

Time to reflect

To apply the message of John 5:19 to our lives, consider the following points:
 
  • Recognize the unity between Jesus and the Father, as Jesus perfectly reflects the Father’s will, character, and actions.
  • Strive to imitate Jesus in our daily lives, seeking to align ourselves with God’s will and purpose.
  • Study the life and teachings of Jesus to gain a deeper understanding of the heart of God.
  • Pray for guidance and wisdom as we seek to model our lives after Jesus.
  • Share the message of Jesus’ unity with the Father with others, encouraging them to grow in their relationship with God.

Prayer Of The Day

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, as the perfect reflection of Your character, will, and actions. Help us to recognize the unity between Jesus and You, and teach us to imitate Jesus in our own lives. Guide us in aligning ourselves with Your will and purpose, and grant us wisdom as we study the life and teachings of Jesus.
 
May we grow in our relationship with You, and empower us to share the message of Jesus’ unity with the Father with those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

To apply the message of John 5:19 to your life, take these action steps:
 
  1. Reflect on the unity between Jesus and the Father and how Jesus perfectly reflects God’s will, character, and actions.
  2. Seek to imitate Jesus in your daily life, striving to align yourself with God’s will and purpose.
  3. Study the life and teachings of Jesus to gain a deeper understanding of the heart of God.
  4. Pray for guidance and wisdom as you work to model your life after Jesus.
  5. Share the message of Jesus’ unity with the Father with others, encouraging them to grow in their relationship with God.

Today's Wisdom

Understanding the unity between Jesus and the Father helps us to appreciate the depth of Jesus’ connection with God and His role as the perfect reflection of God’s character. As we strive to imitate Jesus in our own lives, we align ourselves with God’s will and purpose, ultimately growing in our relationship with Him.

1 Peter 2:5

 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

1 Peter 2:5

A Living Stone

As believers, you are the foundation of the Christian life. The word foundation means to establish. God builds or establishes his church on believers who have given their lives over to the Lord. Each one of us is a living stone that he is continuously building. When we show him how much we love him and worship him, we please him. We also please him when we selflessly put him above all else. These sacrifices are a beautiful aroma to him.

In order to become a firm foundation, we need to continuously work on our relationship with the Lord through devotion, prayer, and Bible Study. When we are all working on our own personal relationships with the Lord, we will build that foundation together.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
Help us become a foundation for the Christian faith. May we all work together. Amen.

1 Peter 2:9

 

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

A Chosen People

If you know the Lord, then you are a chosen people! You have been adopted into the family of God. You are a holy nation, part of God’s very own possession! You belong to him! Since you belong to him, you can show others the love, grace, and mercy of the father. You can show his goodness. He has transferred you from the darkness and into the light. You have been saved and given a new name and identity!

Live as though you are in the light. Live as though you belong to the Lord.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
Thank you for including me in the family of God. May I shine my light to others! Amen.

Our Daily Bread: When We're Weary

 

The Bible In One Year: Isaiah 3-4/Galatians 6

Today’s Reading: Galatians 6:1-10

Let us not become weary in doing good. ~Galatians 6:9

When We’re Weary

Sometimes trying to do the right thing can be exhausting. We may wonder, Do my well-intentioned words and actions make any difference at all? I wondered this recently when I sent a prayerfully thought-out email meant to encourage a friend, only to have it met with an angry response. My immediate reaction was a mixture of hurt and anger. How could I be so misunderstood?

Before I responded out of anger, I remembered that we won’t see the results (or the results we desire) when we tell someone about how Jesus loves them. When we do good things for others hoping to draw them to Him, they may spurn us. Our gentle efforts to prompt someone to right action may be ignored.

Galatians 6 is a good place to turn when we’re discouraged by someone’s response to our sincere efforts. Here the apostle Paul encourages us to persevere: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity let us do good to all people” (vv. 9-10).

God wants us to continue living for Him, which includes praying for and telling others about Him—“doing good.” He will see to the results. ~Alyson Kieda

Dear God, thank You for the encouragement we receive from Your Word, help us to persevere in doing good.

We can leave the results of our lives in God’s hands.

When You Are Sick

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. ~Isaiah 55:9

Hebrews 3:12

 Hebrews 3:12 – Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

1 Corinthians 10:6-13 – Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Daily Devotion: You Are a Temple of The Holy Spirit

 

You Will Win! Amen!!!!!

Daily Bible Verse

For thou Lord, art good, and ready to forgive: and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. ~Psalm 86:5

Daily Inspiration

Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that He forgives those us that He forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what He asks us not to do. We ALL should ALL be more forgiving, like God is to us.

Daily Prayer

You sent Your Only Son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, Merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank You for sending Your Son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Just Pray And Everything Will Be Fine!!!!!

You Are A Temple of The Holy Spirit

By Frances Taylor

You Are A Temple of The Holy Spirit: Men and women are ALL created in the image of God, to be the face of God in the world. ~1 Corinthians 6:18-20

This is a hard saying in today’s world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you’re famous enough, on Twitter/X, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to “Thou shalt not commit adultery?” I guess I’m old fashioned, I’m not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don’t understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.

Sorry if I offend anyone but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept Holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I’m aware that women have often been treated as sexual objects rather than human beings, but men have also been treated badly and often have been given expectations that are false. Men and women are ALL created in the same image of God with the same free will and with the same purpose, to be the face of God in the world. And our God is not like the promiscuous gods of the Romans, the Greeks, the Egyptians, or any other culture. for our God is one of unconditional love, and as He loves us, He expects us to love others and that does not mean using another for pleasure. I hope that someday, we will cease to promote immorality and be more concerned with our immortality.

Prayer

Lord, we have come so far from the people we were created to be. Help us to return to You and live Your commandments with a renewed respect for the bodies You have given us. Amen.

Get Closer To God Day By Day!!!!!!

If You Want to Be Fruitful

But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. ~John 15:21

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Our Spiritual Battle

 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that the battles we face as Christians are not merely physical or against other people. Instead, our true struggle is against spiritual forces of evil that work against us and God’s purposes. These spiritual battles can manifest in various forms, such as temptations, discouragement, or lies that try to pull us away from our faith.

This verse encourages us to recognize that our real enemy is not the people around us, but the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to destroy and divide. By understanding the nature of our struggle, we can better prepare ourselves to face these spiritual battles with the armor of God and the power of His Spirit.

Time to reflect

To apply the lessons from Ephesians 6:12, consider the following steps:

  • Recognize the true enemy: Be aware of the spiritual battles occurring around you, and understand that your fight is not against other people but against spiritual forces of evil.
  • Put on the armor of God: Equip yourself with the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18, such as the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith.
  • Pray for strength and guidance: Ask God to strengthen you and guide you in your spiritual battles. Pray for discernment to recognize the schemes of the enemy and the wisdom to resist them.
  • Stand firm in your faith: Stay grounded in your faith, knowing that Christ has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death. Remain steadfast in your commitment to follow Jesus, even when facing spiritual challenges.

Prayer Of The Day

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our true battle is against spiritual forces of evil, not against flesh and blood. Help us to recognize the true enemy and equip ourselves with the armor of God. Strengthen us and guide us in our spiritual battles, and grant us discernment and wisdom to resist the schemes of the enemy. May we stand firm in our faith, trusting in the victory of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

  1. Recognize the true enemy.
  2. Put on the armor of God.
  3. Pray for strength and guidance.
  4. Stand firm in your faith.

Today's Wisdom

As Christians, it is essential to understand the spiritual nature of our battles and to equip ourselves with the armor of God. By recognizing the true enemy and standing firm in our faith, we can face and overcome the challenges that come our way, trusting in the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ.

A Glimpse of Heaven: Unity and Diversity in God's Kingdom

 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

Revelation 7:9 (NIV)

Today’s Devotional

Revelation 7:9 provides us with a beautiful glimpse of heaven, where a diverse multitude of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language stand united before the throne of God and the Lamb. This powerful image serves as a reminder that God’s love and grace extend to all people, regardless of their background or earthly distinctions.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this unity and diversity in our own lives and communities. We should strive to break down barriers that divide us and seek to build bridges of understanding and love. This begins with recognizing and appreciating the diversity of God’s creation and celebrating the unique ways in which people from different backgrounds can enrich our lives and our faith.

Time to reflect

Embracing Unity and Diversity in God’s Kingdom (Revelation 7:9)

  • Seek to understand and appreciate the diversity of God’s creation, recognizing the beauty and value in every person.
  • Strive to break down barriers that divide, promoting unity and love within your community and the global church.
  • Actively engage with people from different backgrounds, seeking to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
  • Celebrate the unique ways in which diverse cultures and traditions can enrich our understanding of God and our faith.
  • Reflect on the image of the great multitude in Revelation 7:9, allowing it to inspire your efforts towards unity and diversity.

Prayer Of The Day

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful glimpse of heaven found in Revelation 7:9, where a diverse multitude of people stand united before Your throne. Help us to embrace and celebrate the diversity of Your creation, recognizing the value and beauty in every person. Guide us as we strive to break down barriers and promote unity and love within our communities and the global church. Teach us to learn from and appreciate the unique ways in which people from different backgrounds can enrich our lives and our faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Strengthening Faith

Fostering Unity and Diversity in God’s Kingdom (Revelation 7:9)

  1. Take time to learn about and appreciate the diversity of God’s creation, celebrating the beauty and value of every person.
  2. Engage in conversations and relationships with people from different backgrounds, seeking to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
  3. Work towards breaking down barriers that divide and strive to promote unity and love within your community and the global church.
  4. Participate in events or activities that celebrate diverse cultures and traditions, enriching your understanding of God and your faith.
  5. Reflect on the image of the great multitude in Revelation 7:9, allowing it to inspire your efforts towards fostering unity and diversity in God’s Kingdom.

Today's Wisdom

The vision of heaven found in Revelation 7:9 reminds us that God’s Kingdom is a diverse and unified place, where people from every nation, tribe, people, and language come together to worship the Lord. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this unity and diversity in our own lives and communities. By seeking to understand and appreciate the diversity of God’s creation, breaking down barriers, and promoting unity and love, we can work towards building a more inclusive and harmonious global church that reflects the beauty of God’s Kingdom.

Philippians 4:13

 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

His Strength

This verse means so much more than what people typically think. A lot of people think it means we are invincible in Christ. That is not necessarily what this verse means. Jesus gives you strength when you are weary and broken. He gives you the strength you need when you find yourself in trouble. He gives you strength when you are not sure if you can face tomorrow. He gives you strength to trust others. He gives you strength to love others when they seem unlovable.

So it does not mean physical strength, but an inner peace that calms the turmoil within you. May you find strength in Christ every day! Pray and ask Him for strength today so you can face anything with Him.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
You are my strength. There is no strength without you. Help me when I am unable to go on. May I always rely on your strength to get me through.

Matthew 5:16

 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16

Let Your Good Deeds Shine

Christianity is not based on good deeds, but the good deeds of the Christian lead others to Christ. When we minister and serve others, they will see the light living within us, which is Christ. This is why we must serve our community and those who do not know Christ. Go on mission trips. Volunteer in your community. Donate if you are able to. Spend time in your church looking for ways to serve others. Be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Spend some time today in prayer, asking God to help you become a part of what He is doing in the world. When you join Him in what He is doing, you will find yourself growing in your faith and relationship to Him.

A Prayer to Remember

Dear Lord,
I want to be a part of what you are doing. Lead me and guide me. I want to serve you. Amen.

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Questions Young People Ask--Answers That Work Vol 1.

 Why Are We Always Arguing?

In the opening scenario of this chapter, Rachel contributes to an argument in three ways. Can you identify them?

 

It’s Wednesday night.  Rachel, 27, is done with chores, and she’s ready for some well-deserved downtime—finally! She turns on the TV and collapses into her favorite chair.

As if on cue, Mom appears in the doorway, and she doesn’t look happy. “Rachel! Why are you wasting your time watching TV when you’re supposed to be helping your sister with her homework? You never do as you’re told?”

“Here we go again,” Rachel mutters, loud enough to be heard.

Mom leans forward. “What did you say, young lady?”

“Nothing, Mom,” Rachel says with a sigh, rolling her eyes.

Now Mom is really angry. “Don’t use that tone with me!” she says.

“What about the tone you’re using with me?” Rachel shoots back.

Downtime is over . . . another argument has begun.

Does the above scenario seem familiar? Do you and your parents constantly argue? If so, take a moment to analyze the situation. Which topics cause the most conflict? Put a \/ in the boxes that apply—or fill in your own topic net to “Other”.

§  Attitude

§  Curfew

§  Opposite sex

§  Chores

§  Entertainment

§  Other

§  Clothing

§  Friends

Regardless of the topic, arguing leaves you—and your parents—feeling awful. Of course, you could just bite your tongue and put on a sho of agreeing with everything your parents say. But does God expect you to do that? No. it is true that the Bible tells you to “honor your father and your mother.” (Ephesians 6:2, 3) But it also encourages you to develop your “thinking ability” and to use your “power of reason” (Proverbs 1:1-4; Romans 12:1). When you do, it’s inevitable that you will have strong convictions, some of which may differ from those of your parent and youths can communicate peacefully—even when they don’t see eye to eye—(Colossians 3:13).

How can you express yourself without turning normal parents’ problems into open warfare? It’s easy to say: “That’s my parents’ problem. After all, they’re the ones who are always on my back?” But think: How much control do you have over others, including your parents? Really, the only person you can change is you. and the good news is that if you do your prt to ease the tension, your parents are more likely to remain calm and hear you out when you have something to say.

So let’s see what you can do to put a lid on the arguing. Apply the suggestions that follow, and you might amaze your parent—and yourself—with your newfound communication skills.

·         Think before your respond. Don’t blurt out the first thing that comes to your mind when you feel that you’re under attack. For instance, suppose your mom says: “Why didn’t you wash the dishes? You never do as you’re told?” An impulsive reply might be, “Why are you nagging me?” But use your thinking ability. Try to perceive the feeling behind your mom’s words. Usually, statements with the terms like “always” and “never” are not to be taken literally. They do, however, indicate an underlying emotion. What might it be?

·         Perhaps your mom is frustrated, feeling that she is burdened with more than her share of the housework.it could be that she merely want reassurance that she has your support. if that’s the case, saying “Why are nagging me?” will get you nowhere—except maybe into an argument! So instead, why not put your mom at ease? For example, you could say: “I can see you’re upset, Mom. I’ll the dishes right away.” A caution: Do not lace your words with sarcasm. Respond with empathy, and your mom will be more likely to soften and tell you the real problem.

Did You Know?

Working to resolve or prevent conflict will make life easier for you. In fact, the Bible says that a person “of loving kindness is dealing rewardingly with his own soul.” –Proverbs 11:17.

“Good people think before they answer.” –Proverbs 15:28 Today’s English Version

Now think of an empathetic response you could use that might address the feeling behind the statement.

 

Tip: when your parents speak to you, turn off your music, set aside your book or magazine, and maintain eye contact with them.

·         Speak respectfully. Michelle has learned from experience the importance of how she speaks to her mother. “No matter what the issue is,” she says, “it always comes back to Mom’s not liking my tone of voice.” If that’s often true in your case, learn to speak quietly and slowly, and avoid rolling your eyes or giving other nonverbal indications of your annoyance (Proverbs 30:17). If you feel that you’re about to lose your control, offer a brief, silent prayer (Nehemiah 2;4). Of course, your objective is not to get divine help to ‘get your parent off your back’ but to maintain self-control so that you don’t add fuel to the fire.—James 1:26.

In the space below, write down some verbal and nonverbal responses (you are prone to make that you would want to avoid.

*      Verbal reactions (what you say):

 

*      Nonverbal reactions (your facial expressions and body language):

 

 

·         Listen. The Bible states: “you will say the wrong thing if you talk too much.” (Proverbs 10:19-Contemporary English Version) So make sure that you give your dad or mom a chance to speak and that you give your parent your full attention. Don’t interrupt to justify your actions. Just listen. Later, when they’ve finished talking, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions or explain your viewpoint. On the other hand, if you dig in your heels and press your viewpoint now, you might only make things worse. Even if there’s more you’d like to say, right now is probably “a time to keep quiet.”—Ecclesiastes 3:7.

·         Be willing to apologize. It’s always appropriate to say “I’m sorry” for anything you did to contribute to a conflict. (Romans 14:19) You can even say you’re sorry that there is any conflict. If you find it hard to do face-to-face, try expressing your feelings in a note. Then ‘go the extra mile’ by changing any behavior that contributed to the conflict in the first place. (Matthew 5:41) For example, if neglecting a chore has ignited an argument, why not surprise your parents by doing that chore? Even if you dislike the task, wouldn’t getting it done be better than facing the consequences when your parents see it’s still not done? (Matthew 21:28-31) Think of what you stand to gain by doing your part to reduce the tension between you and your parents.

Successful families have conflicts, but they know how to settle them peacefully. Practice the skills outlined in this chapter, and you may find that you can discuss even difficult topics with your parents—without arguing!

Arguing with a parent is like running on a treadmill—you’ll expend a lot of energy but won’t get anywhere.

Action Plan

The suggestion in this chapter that I need to work on most is:

 

I resolve to start applying this suggestion as of (insert date):

 

What I would l like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is:

 

What Do You Think?

v  Why do some of your peers prize the ability to argue?

v  Why does Jehovah God view an argumentative person as foolish?—Proverbs 20:3.

v  What do you stand to gain by reducing the tension between you and your parents?

Nightly Devotion 9

 You Will Win!!!!!

Nightly Bible Verse

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of min heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. ~Jeremiah 15:16

Nightly Inspiration

The idea of eating God’s word might seem a little strange. Obviously, we should be ingesting the pages of the Bible. But when we take in God’s word through reading and through hearing, it is like food for our souls. Just as the nutrients we digest move to our bones, muscles, and other cells to nourish and strengthen us, the word of God moves throughout us to bring joy to our hearts and renewal to our minds.

Nightly Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your word. I pray that as I read Your word, as I hear the sermons of wise teachers, and as I meditate on what I’ve learned, Your word would have a nourishing effect on my life. Use it to fill me with Your joy and peace, and to grow me in Your wisdom, strength, and knowledge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God Knows What You Feel Inside!!!!!!

When You Are Tired

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. ~Deuteronomy 31:8

Morning Bible Verse

I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. ~Psalm 22:22

Morning Prayer

Dear Lord, give me a heart to serve you and a willingness to obey. Show me Your ways, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Afternoon Bible Verse

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ~Matthew 10:28

Nightly Bible Verse

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. ~Acts 24:15

Nightly Prayer

Father, there are so many things I have done or said today that are contrary to Your will, forgive me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Pearl of Great Price: Moses--Chapter 5

 (June-October 1830)

Adam and Eve bring forth Children—Adam offers sacrifice and serves God—Cain and Abel are born—Cain rebels, loves Satan more than God, and becomes Perdition—Murder and wickedness spread—The gospel is preached from the beginning.

1. And it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, that Adam began to till the earth, and to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bead by the sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him. And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him.

2. And Adam knew his wife, and she bare unto him sons and daughters, and they began to multiply and replenish the earth.

3. And from that time forth, the sons and daughters of Adam began to divide two and two in the land, and to till the land, and to tend flocks, and they also begat sons and daughters.

4. And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.

5. And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.

6. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.

7. And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

8. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.

9. And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.

10. And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.

11. And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.

12. And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.

13. And Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God; and he commanded them, saying: Believe it not; and they believed it not, and they loved Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal, sensual, and devilish.

14. And the Lord God called upon men by the Holy Ghost everywhere and commanded them that they should repent;

15. And as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore they must be fulfilled.

16. And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God. And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain, and said: I have gotten a man from the Lord; wherefore he may not reject his words. But behold, Cain hearkened not, saying: Who is the Lord that I should know him?

17. And she again conceived and bare his brother Abel. And Abel hearkened unto the voice of the Lord. And Abel was a keeper of Sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

18. And Cain loved Satan more than God. And Satan commanded him, saying: Make an offering unto the Lord.

19. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

20. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering;

21. But unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect. Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

22. And the Lord said unto Cain: Why art thou wroth? Why is thy countenance fallen?

23. If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire. And thou shall rule over him;

24. For from this time forth thou shalt be the father of his lies; thou shalt be called Perdition; for thou wast also before the world.

25. And it shall be said in time to come—That these abominations were had from Cain; for he rejected the greater counsel which was had from God; and this is a cursing which I will put upon thee, except thou repent.

26. And Cain was wroth, and listened not any more to the voice of the Lord, neither to Abel, his brother, who walked in holiness before the Lord.

27. And Adam and his wife mourned before the Lord, because of Cain and his brethren.

28. And it came to pass that Cain took one of his brothers’ daughters to wife, and they loved Satan more than God.

29. And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by throat, and if thou tell it thou shalt die; and swear thy brethren by their heads, and by the living God, that they tell it not; for if they tell it, they shall surely die; and this that they father may not know it; and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands.

30. And Satan sware unto Cain that he would do according to his commands. And all these things were done in secret.

31. And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.

32. And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him.

33. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am fee; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into hands.

34. And the Lord said unto Cain: Where is Abel thy brother? And he said: I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper?

35. And the Lord said: What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood cries unto me from the ground.

36. And now thou shalt be cursed from the earth which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand.

37. When thou tillest the ground it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength. A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

38. And Cain said unto the Lord: Satan tempted me because of my brother’s flocks. And I wa wroth also; for his offering thou didst accept and not mine; my punishment is greater than I can bear.

39. Behold thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the Lord, and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that he that findeth will slay me, because of mine iniquities, for these things are not hid from the Lord.

40. And I the Lord said unto him: Whosoever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken o him sevenfold. And I the Lord set a mark upon ain, lest any finding him should kill him.

41. And Cain was shut out from the presence of the Lord, and with his wife and many of his brethren dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

42. And Cain knew his wife, and he conceived and bare Enoch, and he also begat many sons and daughters. And he builded a city, and he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.

43. And unto Enoch was born Irad, and other sons and daughters. And Irad begat Mahujael, and other sons and daughters. And Mahujael begat Methusael, and other sons and daughter. And Methusael begat Lamech.

44. And Lamech took unto himself two wives; the name of one being Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah.

45. And Adah have Jabal; he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and they were keepers of cattle; and his brother’s name was Jubal, who was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

46. And Zillah, he also bare Tubal Cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron. And the sister of Tubal Cain was called Naamah.

47. And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah: Hear my voice, ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech; for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.

48. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech shall be seventy and seven fold;

49. For Lamech having entered into a covenant with Satan, after the manner of Cain, wherein he became Master Mahan, master of that great secret which was administered unto Cain by Satan; and Irad, the son of Enoch, having known their secret, began to reveal it unto the sons of Adam;

50. Wherefore Lamech, being angry, slew him, not like unto Cain, his brother Abel, for the sake of getting gain, but he slew him for the oath’s sake.

51. For, from the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, and their works were in the dark, and they knew every man his brother.

52. Wherefore the Lord cursed Lamech, and his house, and all them that had covenanted with Satan; for they kept not the commandments of God, and it displeased God, and he ministered not unto them, and their works were abominations, and began to spread among all the sons of men. And it was among the sons of men.

53. And among the daughters of men these were not spoken, because that Lamech had spoken the secret unto his wives, and they rebelled against him, and declared these things abroad, and had not compassion;

54. Wherefore Lamech was despised, and cast out, and came not among the sons of men, lest he should die.

55. And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of men.

56. And God cursed the earth with a sore curse, and was angry with the wicked, with all the sons of men whome he had made;

57. For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten Son, even him whom he declared should come in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world.

58. And thus the Gospel began to be preached, form the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.

59. And thus all things were confirmed unto Adam, by an holy ordinance, and the Gospel preached, and a decree sent forth, that it should be in the world, until the end thereof; and thus it was. Amen.