November 26, 2009

ATTITUDE

"There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude." -- Clement Stone

A turtle gets nowhere until it sticks its neck out.

A tea kettle is up to its neck in hot water, but it still sings.

A kite rises against the wind, not with it.

Adversity is the refiner's fire that burns the impurities from our souls. Everybody encounters difficulties, but few approach their problems with a proper outlook. What happens to you is not nearly as important as how you respond. you can learn to maintain a good viewpoint regardless of what happens.

Attitude is an inward feeling expressed by your behavior. People can often detect your attitude, even if you don't speak a word. The most important decision you make each morning is what kind of attitude you will have during the day.

David was discouraged when he penned, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquited in me?" ( Ps. 42:5a ). He asked himself, "Why am I discouraged? Why am I so restless?" David spoke to his own soul.

People often think that talking to themselves is a bad sign. But on occasion, we need to look ourselves square in the face and talk to ourselves. David said, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?...hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" ( Ps. 42:5 ).

If we wouldn't think of sitting around all day and listening to trash talk on TV, then we should stop listening to trash talk coming out of our souls! "Nobody cares about me." "So and so was ugly to me, so I'll be ugly to him!" "Nobody knows all the trouble I've known." We must put a stop to garbage self-talk. When we start feeling sorry for ourselves, we should preach to our own souls. We should stop listening to ourselves and start talking to ourselves like David did.

CONSIDER THIS: Talk about the importance of attitude.

--Harold Vaughan--

November 25, 2009

CLEAR CONSCIENCE--

TAKE THE PROPER STEPS

The day when I asked God to reveal anyone I had offended was a life-changing day for me. As God revealed those people, I went to them one by one and asked them to forgive me for my offenses.

After completing the task, I sensed a freshness and a freedom in my relationship with God I'd been lacking. An indescribable freshness and joy came to my life and ministry.

I then made a commitment to maintain short sin accounts with God and with others. I didn't want anything to hinder my relationship with God or with others and realized that maintaining a clear conscience was hard work. As Paul says, it takes "exercise" ( Acts 24:16 ).

As I sought a clear conscience before God and man, God challenged me with three steps.

1. I made a list of those from whom I needed to seek forgiveness. I listed them in order of importance. The most important one was God, then family, then authority figures, then friends.

2. The scope of my confession was only as big as the scope of my offense. What do I mean? If I offended one person, I went only to that one person. If I offended others, I went to them. If I offended a group of people, I went to the group. If my offense was only toward God, then I went to God alone!

3. I needed to have a sincere, humble, and repentant attitude. I couldn't say something like, "I'm sorry for my part. Are you sorry for yours?" Or "I'm sorry IF I was wrong." No! I had to say, "I was wrong when I ______. I'm sorry! Will you forgive me?"

Why do you think God tells us us not to "let...the sun go down upon...[ our ] wrath" ( Eph. 4:26 )?

READ AND DISCUSS: Acts 24:16 says, "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." Discuss this verse as well as 1 Timothy 1:18-20 and Hebrews 5:11-14.

--Craig M. Scott--

Our Family Time with God

November 24, 2009

CLEAR CONSCIENCE--

SHORT SIN ACCOUNTS

"Don't sweat the small stuff!" Does this statement accurately describe how we should handle issues with God and with others?

Does God ever tell us only to be concerned about "big" sins? No. He doesn't! Every sin, whether big or small, is an offense to our holy God. That's why we must keep short sin accounts with Him.

Every time we sin, we must apply 1 John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Notice the little word sins. Separate sins! Little and big ones!

If I'm going to have a clear conscience before God and others, I must learn to confess every sin, whether big or small. Sins of attitude. Sins of action. I need to keep short sin accounts with God!

Acts 24:16 is so important for us to understand. "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."

We must confess "little sins." Like making a rude, cutting remark to someone. Like being disrespectful to an authority figure. Like lying, stealing, or cheating. Every one of these sins is big to God. To have freedom of spirit in our relationship with God, we must maintain a clear conscience.

A teen guy came up one day. "Pastor, I need to ask your forgiveness for chewing gum."

I thought, Good night. Why ask forgiveness for chewing gum?

He explained that someone had donated new carpet for our bus and requested that the teens not eat candy or chew gum on the bus. I made this a rule. This young man didn't think chewing gum was a sin, but the issue was that he'd disobeyed his authority. In so doing, he'd disobeyed God.

APPLICATION: How about you? Are you concerned about the "little sins" as well as the "big ones"? Ask God to point out any unconfessed sins in your life.

--Craig M. Scott--

Our Family Time with God

November 23, 2009

CLEAR CONSCIENCE--

LEAVE YOUR GIFT AT THE ALTAR

In the Old Testament times, an Israelite brought his gift of sacrifice to the court of the Israelites. He waited with his gift at the rails of the altar separating the place where he stood from the place where the priests stood in a separate courtyard. He waited until the moment when the priest approached the Israelite with outstretched hands to receive the sacrifice.

At that moment, about to present himself to the priest and to God, asking for forgiveness and mercy, if the Israelite remembered that a brother had something against him, he left his gift at the altar and made things right with his brother. Then he returned to the court of the Israelites and presented his sacrifice to the priest.

Jesus teaches the importance of restoring relationships in Matthew 5:23-24. "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

In the early church, believers followed the common practice of resolving offenses and disputes with brothers and sisters in the Lord before partaking of the Lord's Supper.

On one occasion, I remember being challenged to ask God if there was anyone in my life, past or present, that I had offended. I bowed my head and asked God to reveal these people to me. Immediately, four people came to mind. I promised God that I would do everything within my power to seek forgiveness from those individuals. Within days, God brought me in contact with each one of those people.

Word cannot express the joy and freedom that came to my spirit when I made things right with them.

ASSIGNMENT: Look up and discuss Acts 24:16. Can you think of anyone in your past you've offended and with whom you've not made things right?

--Craig M. Scott--

November 22, 2009

A CLEAR CONSCIENCE--

READY TO SPEAK OUT FOR CHRIST!

A young lady said to me, "Pastor, I've recently gotten my life right with God, and I really want to do right! I want to go back to my friends and take a stand for Christ."

"That's tremendous!" I said. "I'll pray that you'll be able to do so."

Hanging her head, she said sadly, "I want to take a stand, but I can't.

Whenever I get ready to say something about the Lord, "I feel like my mouth is taped shut. I can't speak." I asked her to explain.

"The moment I start to say something about the Lord," she said, "something inside me says 'Don't talk yet! Wait 'til they've observed your life for a few months. If you say something now, they'll think you're a hypocrite.' Pastor, What can I do?"

She expressed what many Christians feel after they've made things right with God. They feel so guilty that they can't speak out for the Lord.

What would you say to this young lady?

Here's what I told her. "Have you considered that the reason you don't have the freedom in your spirit to speak out for the Lord is because you've been a bad testimony to your friends? Consider clearing your conscience with them. Let them know that you've been a bad example and that you've recently made it right with the Lord and want to make it right with them. Then ask them for their forgiveness for not being the kind of Christian you needed to be."

In 1 Peter 3:15, God tells us to "be ready always to give an answer to every man." We need to be ready to take a stand for what the Word of God says.

Why do we fail to read verse 16a? "Having a good conscience." Here's the thought: If we want to take a stand for Christ, we must have a good conscience.

READ AND DISCUSS: Acts 24:16

--Craig M. Scott--

Our Family Time with God

November 21, 2009

CLEAR CONSCIENCE--

VICTORY OVER SIN

"I just can't get victory over this sin in my life! I try and try and try and keep falling. What is wrong with me?

Two men in the Bible allowed something to happen in their lives that caused great damage to their relationship with God and with others. They were once spiritual leaders in the church, but something devastated their spiritual lives. The apostle Paul says they "made shipwreck" in regard to their faith.

Their names were Hymenaeus and Alexander. In relation to their faith, they allowed their consciences to be violated. The apostle Paul says he had to kick them out of the church. See what God says about them in 1 Timothy 1:19-20. "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."

I don't know what happened. Maybe they became bitter because of something that happened or toward someone who hurt them. Perhaps they became involved in some kind of sin and never made it right with God. Whatever the case, we know they failed to clear their consciences before God and others. As a result, they "made shipwreck" of their faith. Their relationship with God was devastated.

Having a clear conscience means we know that no unconfessed sin is hindering our relationship with God. No one can point a finger at us and accuse us of a wrongdoing we have not made right.

What can we learn from these two men? We learn that if we allow sin to go unconfessed in our lives, we will make shipwreck of our faith. We learn that we can't have victory in our lives until we have a clear conscience.

ASSIGNMENT: Acts 24:16 says, "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." What does God say in this verse about a clear conscience? Look up 1 John 1:9 to see how to get a clear conscience.

Our Family Time with God

November 20, 2009

BUT I FEEL SO

GUILTY!

Have you ever experienced a guilty conscience? Have you felt so guilty that you lay awake at night thinking about it? You lost your joy, and you wanted to crawl into a hole and forget about everything and everyone.

What happened to you ? You suffered from a guilty and violated conscience. You did something wrong, and your conscience--God's alarm system--blared inside you like a fire alarm.

How do we get a clear conscience? How did King David get a clear conscience? Notice what he prayed to God. "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness....Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me....Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." ( Psalm 51:7-8a, 10, 12 ).

What caused David to lose his joy and gladness? What caused him to have a dirty heart and a bad spirit? One thing--sin. He had disobeyed God. He had sinned with Bathsheba and had not properly dealt with his sin before God.

Now, after a year of suffering with a guilty conscience, David took the proper steps to gain a clear conscience. Notice what he prayed. "For I acknowledge my transgressions" ( Ps. 51:3a ). David called sin what it is; he was honest before God. "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight" ( v. 4a ).

David knew that the one he had offended the most was God. He wanted to make sure things were right between him and God. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" ( 1 John 1:9 ).

1. What must I do when I sin?

2. What is God's response to my confession?

ASSIGNMENT: Read and discuss the following verses Psalm 51:3-12; 1 John 1:9.

--Craig M. Scott--

Our Family Time with God

November 19, 2009

CLEAR CONSCIENCE--

SIN

God called King David "a man after mine own heart" ( Acts 13:22 ). David had a special relationship with God and "behaved himself wisely" ( 1 Sam. 18:5 ). God used him to rebuild the nation of Israel after King Saul destroyed and divided it. David was a successful and spiritual man.

When David was older, he decided not to go to battle with his army and stayed home. His sinful relationship with a woman named Bathsheba devastated his personal relationship with God. As a result of David's sin, he lost his joy, his kingdom suffered, and his family was never the same.

We never sin and get away with it. Moses told the children of Israel, "Be sure your sin will find you out" ( Num. 32:23b ).

What is sin? Sin is anything that violates God's Word and will. The word sin comes from an archery term. It means to miss the target and to hit the wrong target. When I sin, I miss the target of God's holiness as spelled out in the Word of God. I hit a target that is against God's Word and will.

The most miserable person in the world is a Christian who harbors unconfessed sin in his life. Sin hinders our relationship with God because God is holy and hates sin. Sin causes us to lose our joy and devastates our lives.

David described his misery in Psalm 32:3-4. "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah."

APPLICATION: Read Psalm 51 and discuss how David dealt with his sin.

Psalm 51:2-- "Wash me...and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:3-- "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me." Psalm 51:10-- "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

--Craig M. Scott--

Our Family Time with God

November 18, 2009

GOD IS GREAT IN HIS PROMISES

Scripture Reading--Psalm 95

Give special attention to verse 11.

Parents must learn the value of being true to their promises. If they promise a bicycle, they had better be prepared to fulfill that promise. If they promise a spanking, they must fulfill that promise, too. Most promises are made sincerely, but some are foolish. That's why we must be careful about making promises.

God's Word is a book of promises. When God promised blessing, He blesses. When He promises judgment, He judges, as we see in verses 10-11 of our text. God is always true to what He promises. If God promises something, you can count on Him to follow through. Second Peter 1:4a says, "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises" ( emphasis added ). Second Corinthians 1:20 is another good reminder of God's promises. "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" ( emphasis added ). Too many of God's people are sitting on the4 premises or leaning over the precipice when they should be standing on the promises.

I heard about some folks who agreed to do a job for a fellow for a certain amount of money. It was a difficult project. Finished, they went to the homeowner to collect their pay. Would you believe it? He looked them right in the eye and said he wasn't going to pay them what he'd agreed. That poor fellow knew nothing about keeping a promise. Though it was hard for the Christians to accept his broken promise, they trusted the Lord and learned a valuable lesson. People can break promises and think nothing of it, but God will never break His promises.

ACTION POINT: Have you made promises to God or others that you haven't kept? If so, be willing to ask forgiveness and to make a commitment to be true to your word. If you made a promise you can't possibly fulfill, ask to be relieved of that promise. That's how to maintain a clear conscience.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

November 17, 2009

GOD IS GREAT

IN HIS PROVISION

Scripture Reading-- Psalm 95

Give special attention to verse 7.

In John 10:11, Jesus describes Himself as the "good shepherd." According to His teachings, the shepherd must protect his sheep and provide for their needs. One of the greatest promises in God's Word is in Philippians 4:19. "But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" ( emphasis added ). In today's Scripture reading, we read, "For he is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand" ( v. 7a emphasis added ). In Psalm 23:1, David wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" ( emphasis added ). Our God is in the need-meeting business!

My dad, Dr. George Palmer, became a pastor in the early 20th century. God blessed him and my mother with eight children. In the early years, they lived on a meager salary and often had no money and nothing to eat. Mother brought the family to the table so Dad could pray for the meal God was going to provide. A man of great faith, Dad loved to tell about times when he was praying and someone brought food for the family. He would pray again, giving thanks for the food God did provide, and Mom would prepare the meal. Was he merely presumptuous of God? Absolutely not! He believed with all his heart that God was great in His provision and would be true to His Word. With that kind of faith, no wonder God gave him a worldwide ministry.

Do you have the faith to take God at His Word? Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Real faith thanks God for His provision even before He provides. God allows us to experience special needs so we can experience His great provision.

COUNT THE COST: Allow God to test your faith with a special need so you can experience His great provision. You may need to wait awhile because God is never in a hurry, but He's always on time.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

November 16, 2009

GOD IS GREAT

IN HIS POWER

Scripture Reading--Psalm 95

Give special attention to vv 4-6.

Years ago, we purchased a modular home for our lot. The foundation was built, the house arrived, and a special crew came to set the house on its foundation. The house came in two pieces, 68 by 14 feet each. We wondered how the workers were going to move those sections from the trailers to the foundation. A huge crane arrived, and workers attached cables to each section. Our stomachs were in our throats as the crane lifted the house onto its foundation with ease. We sighed in relief! Because the crane was so powerful, the job wasn't a problem.

In the Book of Jeremiah we read, "Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power....Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing to hard for me?" ( 32:17, 27; emphasis added ). We often encounter life situations that are too big for us. We can't imagine how we'll ever get through them. That's when we need to remember that our God is great in His power and to allow Him to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

A missionary offered a native man a ride in the back of his truck, The man was carrying a load of firewood on his shoulders. Accepting the offer, the man climbed into the back. When the missionary looked in the mirror, he noticed the native still carried the wood on his shoulders. Stopping the truck, the missionary asked him to put his load down.

The man replied, "No, you have been kind to give me a ride, but I wouldn't think of asking you to carry my wood too." Dear friends, the good news is that when God carries you, He carries your load, too. And He does so because He is so great in His power.

APPLICATION: Discuss Scripture passages that describe God's demonstrating His great power. Encourage your family to see that nothing is too big for God to handle.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

November 15, 2009

GOD IS GREAT

IN HIS PRESENCE

Scripture Reading--Psalm 95

Give special attention to V. 2

Though much has changed in the 21st century, children still love to play "hide and seek." It's fun to close our eyes, count to 50 while our friends go and hide, and look for them. That game is as old as time itself. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve played the first game of hide and seek when they tried to hide from God. Before they sinned, they enjoyed sweet fellowship with God. But after they sinned, their perfect innocence was gone. They feared God's presence and hid from Him, covering themselves with fig leaves. To their surprise, they discovered they couldn't escape from God's presence ( Gen. 3:1-13 ).

The Book of Jonah describes someone else who tried to flee from God's presence. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and to preach against their wickedness. "But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord" ( Jonah 1:3a, emphasis added ). He boarded a ship to Tarshish, thinking he'd escaped God--only to discover he was wrong. God is great in His presence. No matter where we go, He's there. Have you ever tried to play hide and seek with God?

Psalm 139 offers tremendous verses about God's presence. David asks, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" ( v. 7, emphasis added ). He enumerates the many places people go in their attempt to avoid God ( vv. 7-12 ). His conclusion? It's impossible!

Practicing the presence of God is key to a successful Christian life. If we understand that God is with us everywhere we go, this truth should have a life-changing impact on our lives. Hagar, Sarah's handmaid, said in Genesis 16:13, "Thou God seest me." That's a powerful truth to remember.

DO THIS NOW: Read Psalm 139 and discuss the dangers of playing hide and seek with God.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

November 14, 2009

GOD IS GREAT IN HIS PERSON

Scripture Reading: Psalm 95

Once one of my sons and I went to a local park because he had issues regarding God's existence we needed to talk about. It was a dreary, overcast day. Clouds hung low, and the sun was absent. As we talked, he asked me how I could believe in a God I couldn't see. As an airplane passed overhead, I said, "There's no airplane up there."

"Yes, there is," he said. "I hear it."

"But how can you believe there's an airplane up there when you can't see it?"

"Because I hear the motor."

His answer was all I needed to explain the fact that we can believe in a God we can't see because we observe the evidence of His existence everywhere we look. I talked to him about the importance of basing faith on the truth of God's Word and on the wonders of creation. That's all the evidence we need! Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" ( emphasis added ). By faith, we believe in God's existence and in what He's like. Our talk helped my son understand the person of God.

Verse 3 of today's Scripture says, "For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods" ( emphasis added ). When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and sent him back to Egypt to deliver His people from bondage, Mosed asked what he should say when the people asked who had sent him. "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" ( Ex. 3:14 ). In that statement, God declares Himself to be the eternally existing God; or, as the psalmist put it, "From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" ( Ps. 90:2b, emphasis added ).

APPLICATION: Share evidences that help you believe God is great in His person even though you can't see Him.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Nov. 13, 2009

GOD'S GREATNESS

IN HIS WORD

Scripture Reading--Psalm 95

As you read this chapter each day,

make it part of your family life

as you meditate on God's promises.

Everywhere we look in this world God created, we see His greatness. No wonder the psalmist wrote, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" ( Ps. 14:1a, 53:1a ). Someone is utterly foolish to think that our world evolved into existence. It's as crazy as thinking we could take the separate parts of a watch, shake them up in a box, open the box, and discover a beautiful, accurate timepiece. We need more faith to believe that God didn't create this world than that He did.

Though this world is a wonderful testimony to God's greatness, we need to base our faith on something more permanent. The Bible tells us, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" ( Matt. 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33 ). This world is only temporary; God's Word is eternal. Therefore, the testimony of Scripture is our greatest authority for understanding God's greatness.

The following are wonderful Bible verses ( with emphasis added ) for meditating on the greatness of our God: "O Lord my God, thou art very great" ( Ps. 104:1 ). "And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen" ( Neh. 8:6a ). "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ" ( Titus 2:13 ). "Wherefore, thou art great, O Lord God" ( 2 Sam. 7:22a ). "For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone" ( Ps. 86:10 ). "Oh Lord; thou art great, and thy name is great in might" ( Jer. 10:6b ).

It's wonderful to see God's greatness in the world but more wonderful to see it so clearly described in His Word.

ACTION POINT: Read the verses listed above again. They will make God's greatness more real to you and to your family.

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time With God

Nov. 12, 2009

HOW GREAT THOU ART!

Scripture Reading

Psalm 95:3--"For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all

gods" ( emphasis added ).

Titus 2:13--"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing

of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

One of my favorite hymns is "How Great Thou Art." In this wonderful song, the write exalts God for the many ways He has demonstrated Hes greatness. Some of the words are,

Oh, Lord my god, when i in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee.

How great Thou art!

Another song exalts God this way,

Our God's a great God, and worthy to be praised!

Our God's a great God, oh praise His holy name!

He made the world so great, He deeps me by His grace,

And soon I'll see His face,

Our God's so great!

When our children were small, we had a table grace we prayed before our meals.

God is great, and God is good,

And we thank Him for our food.

By His hand we are all fed,

Give us, Lord, our daily bread.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Yes, we can seek to acknowledge the greatness of our God's in many ways. But it's easy to sing songs and to say words that speak of God's greatness withouth experiencing that greatness. We can see the best proof of God's greatness in a life He has changed. When Isaiah ecperienced God in all of His greatness and glory ( Isa. 6 ), hs whole life was transformed.

POINT TO PONDER: How is God's greatness evident in you life, in your marriage, or in your family?

--Jack Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 11, 2009/Veteran's Day

CRACK THE

CLIQUE

Scripture Reading--James 2:1-10

You can spell it two ways. Whether you spell it "c-l-i-c-k" or "c-l-i-q-u-e," we're talking about something that can have a damaging impact on friendships. No, I'm not talking about an irritating noise but a group of people who isolate themselves from others and don't let others in. These groups don't officially incorporate, and they don't advertise themselves as a clique. Yet they are real--something you'll discover if you try to crack the clique.

When choosing those with whom we'll associate, we can easily select those we like or those who are most like us. That was the problem with the believers to whom James was writing. The first verse of our Scripture reading tells us these people displayed "respect" of persons; in other words, they showed partiality and favoritism. They allowed qualities like personal appearance and economic status to determine their friends. In so doing, they became "judges of evil thoughts" ( v. 4 ). They "commit[ted] sin" ( v. 9 ) and were "transgressors" of the law ( v. 9 ). In God's eyes, the problem was serious.

The Christian life has no room for discrimination. Race, ethnic background, physical condition, financial status, and educational experience should never be the basis for relationships. We do nothing wrong by enjoying people with whom we have things in common, but the problem occurs when we reject or ignore those with whom we have nothing in common.

The time has come to begin a campaign in our churches, schools, and youth groups to eliminate cliques or "clicks," depending on your choice of spelling. This campaign will occur only when we are willing to let the "royal law" rule our lives. Jesus' command to love others is second only to the command to love God with all our hearts ( Matt. 22:37-40 ).

EXERCISE: Ask each family member to prepare a copy of the "royal law" to display in his room.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 10, 2009

BECOMING A BLESSING

TO YOUR FRIEND

Scripture Reading--1 Samuel 20:35-42

David and Jonathan's friendship is a classic demonstration of how two friends can be a blessing to each other. These two men knew not only how to gain a friend but also how to maintain a friendship. Several truths are particularly worth noting.

First, note the level of commitment these men demonstrated. In chapter 18 ( v. 3 ) and again in chapter 20 ( v. 42 ), we read that David and Jonathan made a covenant. Their covenant was an agreement that they would stay true to each other forever. Their relationship also included giving and sharing. In 1 Samuel 18:4, Jonathan gave David several garments as well as his valuable weapons.

In 1 Samuel 19:2, we read about Jonathan's willingness to protect his friend from harm and danger at the hand of his father, Saul. As a true friend, Jonathan dreaded the thought of his friend losing his life.

In 1 Samuel 19:7, we read that David and Jonathan were open and honest. Because of their desire to be transparent, they kept few secrets.

According to 1 Samuel 20, David and Jonathan also prayed together ( vv. 11-15 ). Together, they sought the Lord's direction and protection in their dire situation. As men of God, they joined together and sought to know God's will.

Finally, the key thought comes in 1 Samuel 20:42. In the name of the Lord, they said, "The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever."

What drew these men together as friends was that the Lord was at the center of their friendship. As each friend initially sought to draw closet to God, the result was that they drew closer to each other. In the Lord, they blessed each other. Friendship isn't just finding a good friend but being a good friend.

PRAY: Ask each family member to pray for someone he considers to be a special personal friend.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 9,2009

THE BLESSING OF

A GOOD FRIEND

Scripture Reading--1 Samuel 18:1-9

David needed a good friend. King Saul, who was jealous because of David's victory over Goliath, had threatened his life. Several times, Saul had also tried to kill David ( 18:11, 19:10 ), and he had told his servants to kill David if they could ( 19:1, 11 ). Needless to say, David's life was in jeopardy, and turmoil ruled the circumstances of his life.

During those desperate days, God gave David a faithful companion and friend named Jonathan. The twist in the story is that Jonathan was Saul's son. In fact, his friendship with David put Jonathan's life at risk; his father didn't want anyone assisting David. During this time, however, these two young men were drawn together to support. protect, and encourage each other.

In our Scripture reading, we read that "the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David" ( v. 1 ). These men shared with each other in such a way that they became a part of each other's lives. The Bible tells us that they loved each other as they love their own lives.

David's friendship with Jonathan became a great blessing for both of them. Verse 14 says that "the Lord was with him [ David ]," but humanly speaking, David was alone much of the time. Yet during those times of great seclusion, Jonathan was there as David's friend. Together, they were able to go on, living their own lives but also living for the person they called their friend.

If you have a good friend, thank the Lord for that person. Friends are a gift from God, a blessing God has brought into your life for your benefit. You will be amazed to see how God--and your friend--will be there for you during the most difficult times of life.

EXERCISE: Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Note when a true friend will be there for you.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 8, 2009

DON'T RUN WITH A SKUNK

Scripture Reading--1 Corinthians 15:33--"Be not deceived: evil communications

corrupt good manners."

Amos 3:3--"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

Whether we like it or not, we usually become like those with whom we spend our time. The influence of companions can impact our lives greatly.

Sixth grade was a really tough year for me. My family had moved to the area several months earlier, and I began sixth grade in a new school with a classroom of students who had been together their whole lives. They all knew each other, but nobody knew me.

I decided to make a move. Five boys who had banded together called themselves "The Vikings." They were big, bold, and bad ( or at least as much as sixth-graders can be ). I started hanging around them, talking like them, and acting like them. Not long after, they took me in. Before long, I was also big, bold, and bad ( or at least I thought so ). Unfortunately, I was soon getting in trouble with them, too. Their influence had impacted me negatively.

Someone once said that you can't run with a skunk and smell like a rose! That's the truth--and the warning--our Scripture reading teaches. "Evil communications" means those with whom we communicate--in other words, our companions. "Good manners" means the rules we live by or our moral standards for living.

Tragically, bad people can ruin good things in our lives. Many young people have made the mistake of choosing wrong friends and have paid dearly for their decision. The skunks they chose to run with turned them into rascals who rejected authority and convictions, even God himself.

What kind of person do you want to be? Your answer depends on what kind of people you choose to be with. Before long, you may be just like them.

EXERCISE: Make a list of good qualities you would seek in those who would make good friends.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 7, 2009

BE A FRIEND TO HAVE A FRIEND

Scripture Reading--Proverbs 18:24

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Everyone likes to have friends. Friends are a special blessing from the Lord. Without good friends, we will be lonely, miserable, and unhappy. Genuine friendships, however, do not just happen. They take effort not only to get started but also to continue throughout life.

When we look at God's loving example, we see that "we love him, because he first loved us" ( 1 John 4:19 ). God first loved us and initiated the relationship we now enjoy as His children. In response, we love Him in return.

When we apply this concept to friendships, a simple truth stands out: In order to have a friend, we must be a friend. As Proverbs says, we must show ourselves friendly. It also says that "a friend loveth at all times" ( 17:17 ). Change often challenges families, putting them in a new neighborhood, school, or church. Many of us tend to become isolated as we wait for others to reach out to us. If others don't befriend us , we can become resentful toward people we don't even know.

The key is friendliness. Friendliness can quickly bridge the gap and create great friendships that will be a source of blessing for many. Friendliness means to take an interest in others, particularly in those who are lonely and need a friend.

A smile, a greeting, a kind word, or an act of kindness can connect friends who will enjoy each other for years to come. Let's face it--at one time, even best friends didn't know each other. Somebody had to make the first move. In the end, both believers were blessed. Why not become a friendly person? You'll soon discover that you have many special friends.

BE A BLESSING: Choose someone who needs a friend. The next time you see that person, seek to be a friend by being friendly.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 6, 2009

LOVING LIKE

GOD LOVES

Scripture Reading--1 John 4:7-11

Our Scripture reading says that "God is love" ( v. 8 ). In a world that promotes a distorted view of love, we must seek to understand God's love to fully grasp how to "love one another" ( v. 7, 11 ). God's love provides a perfect pattern for us to follow in loving each other.

1. God's love is unconditional. God doesn't love only those who are lovely or lovable. "But

God commendeth his love toward us...while we were yet sinners" ( Rom. 5:8a ). A sinless God

demonstrated perfect love for sinners, not because they loved God but because they needed

God.

2. God's love is unselfish. The proof of God's love is that He is a giving God. John 3:16a says,

"For God so loved the world, that he gave." God didn't merely tell the world He loved it;

rather, He proved His love. It might be said that you can give without loving, but you

will never love without giving.

3. God's love is unending. There is no such thing as short-time love from God. People often

love as long as someone is loving them back. Romans 8:38-39 tells us nothing can "separate

us from the love of God" ( v. 39 ). God keeps loving no matter the response from those He

loves.

A relationship that pleases God will demonstrate God's kind of love. When we love like God loves, His love becomes the bond that holds the friendship together. This is the kind of friendship that provides a lifelong blessing. As you develop friendships, ask these important questions. "What kind of friend am I?" "Have I learned to demonstrate God's love to those I claim are my friends?" God's love is a wonderful blessing, and your love will be a great blessing, too, if you love like God loves.

PRAY: Pause in prayer to thank God for His love. Ask Him to teach you how to love like He loves.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 5, 2009

I'LL BE YOUR FRIEND

Scripture Reading--Romans 12:10

" Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love:

in honour preferring one another."

Sunday school isn't usually where we expect to take a test. Yet every Sunday school class takes a test whenever a visitor enters the classroom. How do you think your class would do?

1. Into the junior department walks a new walks a new "bus kid." He's wearing shoes with no laces and a coat with no zipper. He still has jelly on his face from the piece of toast he ate for

breakfast.

2. Into the teen department strolls a 17-year-old guy who is 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 270

pounds. He wears braces and stutters when he talks.

3. Into the adult department wanders an old man with a backpack. He hasn't shaved or had his

hair cut for a long time, and he smells like he hasn't been in a bathtub for a while either.

When most of us arrive at our Sunday school class, we find a seat with someone we know or like. It's easy to be friendly with someone who's friendly to us. But who will be friendly to those "new and not-very-nice guys"? Will anyone offer them a seat? Will someone talk to them? Will anyone give them a Bible to use? This is a tough test!

In our Scripture reading, Paul says kindness and love are two ways to make others feel special. When we "prefer" someone in "honour," we tell him that he is important and that we care about him. If anyone should treat others with kindness, it should be the Christian. After all, we were "not-very-nice guys" when Jesus reached out to us in love and gave His life to let us know how important we were to Him. Those who visit your Sunday school class and feel special will come back again--and they just might stay.

ACTION POINT: This Sunday, find someone in your Sunday school class who usually sits alone. Be that person's friend.

--Tom Palmer--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 3, 2009

EXAMPLES IN LOVE

Scripture Reading--1 Timothy 4:12

" Let no man despise thy youth;

but be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity"

( emphasis added ).

Of all virtues, God says love is superior to the rest. First Corinthians 13 is known as the "love chapter." It speaks about faith and hope but says love excels them both.

Fear, reward, and guilt are factors that provoke others to action. Of all things that motivate us, love is by far the greatest. A young missionary who had surrendered to go to China was asked, "Are you going to China because you have such a great love for the Chinese people?" She replied, "I have no love at all in my heart for the Chinese people, but I have a great love for the Lord Jesus; and He has a great love for the Chinese people." It was her love for Christ that inspired that young person to leave home and family for a strange land. Faith makes all things possible, but love makes all things easy.

Love goes beyond feelings. It would have been more comfortable for that young missionary to stay in her own country with what she was familiar with. Godly love involves sacrifice. It's giving of ourselves for someone else's benefit. Paul said, "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved" ( 2 Cor. 12:15 ). Paul exhausted himself serving those who did not appreciate him. The love of God constrained him to invest his life on their behalf.

Jesus Christ is the greatest example of love. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" ( John 15:13 ). God so loved the world that He gave His Son to die in the sinner's place.

You've heard the saying, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

SCRIPTURE: Read 1 Corinthians 13 and discover the characteristics of agape love.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 2, 2009

EXAMPLE IN WORD

Scripture Reading--1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise thy youth;

but be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity"

( emphasis added ).

1. Think before you speak.

When I was in the first grade, the second-graders performed a play. They dressed up like animals and acted out their parts. Sitting there, I thought the play was probably the worst performance I'd ever witnessed.

Later that day, I told a second-grader how I felt about the play. I didn't intend to be rude or hateful; I was simply giving my opinion. Offended, he told his teacher what I had said. His teacher told my teacher, and I got in trouble! That day, I began learning to think before I spoke. I discovered that I don't need to say every thought that enters my head. My tongue is in a wet place and can easily slip!

2. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Three men were eating dinner at a restaurant. The waiter asked, "What will you have for dessert?" The first diner said, "Nothing for me." The second said, "I'm stuffed." The third replied, "Couldn't eat another bite." When the waiter told them dessert came came with the meal, the first diner said, "Ice cream." The second said, "Pecan pie." The third responded, " Chocolate layer cake."

Telling the truth is important. We should let our communication be honest and forthright.

3. Speak the truth in love.

Jesus was full of grace and truth, and the people "wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth" ( Luke 4:22 ). What we say is important, but how say it it equally important. Our tone can either strengthen or weaken our influence.

Most of man's sins are by his tongue. God has provided supernatural power to control our tongues and to speak helpful words.

BIBLE STUDY: Turn to Ephesians 4:29-32. Read, discuss, and apply these verses about our speech.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 1, 2009

BEHAVING

Scripture Reading--1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise thy youth;

but be thou an example of the believers, in

word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, faith, in purity"

( emphasis added ).

It has been said that your talk talks, and your walk talks; but your walk talks louder than your talk talks! The word conversation refers to behavior or manner of life. The way we conduct ourselves speaks volumes. Our lives can tear down what our words build up. "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour" ( Ecc. 10:1 ). We lose respect for those who engage in foolish behavior. People judge us by the way we behave. Notice these verses:

"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the

house of God, which is the church of the living God" ( 1 Tim. 3:15a, emphasis added ).

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation"

( 1 Pet. 1:15, emphasis added ).

"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles that, whereas they speak against

you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in

the day of visitation" ( 1 Pet. 2:12, emphasis added ).

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your

Father which is in heaven" ( Matt. 5:16, emphasis added ).

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" ( Luke

2:52, emphasis added ).

Jesus conducted Himself in such a way that He won the favor of those who observed Him. Those who knew Him best respected Him the most. Your life should complement the Gospel.

FAMILY TIME: Behavior at home, at church, and in the world is important to God. Talk about ways your family can exemplify good behavior.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Nov. 4, 2009

FAITH

Scripture Reading--1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise thy youth;

but be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity"

( emphasis added ).

A Christian is someone who makes believing in God easy. His life mirrors the Lord Jesus. Exemplifying faith means being a living illustration of what we say we believe. We not only believe in God, but we actually believe God.

A group of scientists in Scotland offered a young boy lots of money if he would allow himself to be lowered by rope over a steep cliff into a mountain gorge. The boy was poor and wanted the money, but when he looked down into the 200-foot chasm, he said, "No." After more persuasion, he said, "I will go if my father holds the rope." He knew he could trust his father; he had confidence in him. He exercised his will and allowed his father to lower him into the chasm.

Living by faith means we have perfect confidence in God. We don't look to self or to others; we look to One much greater than ourselves. When the pilot of a Boeing 747 fires up his engines and races down the runway, he has perfect confidence in the law of aerodynamics. He believes the giant plane will lift off the ground, but he doesn't trust himself to perform that act. He trusts in something more powerful.

Those who live by faith know how to trust God for provision, protection, and direction. They rest in Him for every need. Walking by faith means looking beyond what we can see to what can be. We launch out with full assurance in our Heavenly Father. if that young boy hadn't placed his trust in his dad, he wouldn't have attempted that feat. Had he not trusted, he wouldn't have succeeded. If we don't believe, we won't try. And if we don't try, we won't succeed.

THOUGHT: A good example is the best sermon.

--Harold Vaughan--