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--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 31, 2009

BE AN EXAMPLE

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 ).

This verse says we shouldn't let anyone look down on us because of our age. Also, we should never act in a way that causes others to reject us because of our immature actions. Youth doesn't have to be a limitation. George Washington was a colonel at age 22, Napoleon commanded the Italian army at age 25, and Josiah was only eight years old when he became king in Jerusalem.

Men don't despise an acorn because it's not an oak. Nor do they look down on an orange blossom because it has no fruit. Youth is a time when we can excel by living an honorable life.

Paul told Timothy to be an "example." That meant he was to be a pattern or model for others to follow. Albert Schweitzer said, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing." Your life can provide an example for others to follow.

We've all seen concrete birdbaths and statues. They are formed by pouring liquid concrete into a form, a pattern that provides shape and design. A pattern is what Paul meant when he said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" ( 1 Cor. 11:1 ). In other words, we should pattern our lives after God. An ounce of example is worth a pound of advice. A heart for God is the greatest incentive for a Christlike life. Everyone tries to be like someone. To be like Jesus is a blessed possibility! A Spirit-filled life empowers us to be a worthy example to other believers.

It has been said, "You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely." We can bless others' lives by living the Christ life.

SING A SONG: Sing all stanzas of the hymn "O to Be Like Thee."

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 30, 2009

AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT

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 ).

What does being an example in "spirit" mean? The word spirit refers to one's mental disposition or attitude. Proverbs 17:27 says, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit" ( emphasis added ). Because Daniel had an excellent spirit, the king put him in charge of the kingdom ( Dan. 6:3 ). Someone who has an excellent spirit is positive, humble, and joyful.

Everybody is enthusiastic at times--some for 30 minutes, some for 30 days. But the man who's enthusiastic for 30 years is the man who is a success at life! Positive people are peasant to be around. Because they're upbeat and optimistic, they achieve more.

Micah 6:8 says, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" ( emphasis added ). Pride is the first thing to enter a man and the last thing to go. God is attracted to those who possess a humble spirit. A prideful spirit not only repels God but is also repulsive to others.

Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" ( John 15:11 ). The Lord desires His children to experience fullness of joy. We can develop a joyful spirit.

Those who have an excellent spirit are happier and more productive. We can discipline our minds to think properly.

Sow an action, reap a habit.

Sow a habit, reap a character.

Sow a character, reap a destiny.

----Samuel Smiles

An excellent spirit brings blessing to God and to men. Choose to be positive, humble, and joyful.

THOUGHT: The pinnacle of man's greatness is the height of his own character.

--Harold Vaughan--

Our Family Time with God

Oct. 29, 2009

A PURE LIFE

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 ).

One of the most valuable assets we have is our testimony. "A good man is rather to be chosen than...silver and gold" ( Prov. 22:1 ). We must guard our witness.

Never have there been more opportunities for impurity than today. Neither has there been a greater resource for purity than what is available to us today. The same Holy Spirit who empowered the apostle Paul will empower us.. Never forget that the Holy spirit is a "holy" spirit. When He fills our lives, we can be holy, too. Living purely in an impure world requires God's mighty power.

Joseph refused the temptations of Potiphar's wife because he had predetermined that he wouldn't sin against God. We must make up our minds ahead of time that we're going to live clean lives.

God calls us to purity of thought, language, and life. Notice these straight-forward Scriptures:

"Keep thyself pure" ( 1 Tim. 5:22b ).

"Flee...youthful lusts" ( 2 Tim. 2:22a ).

"Intreat...the younger as sisters, with all purity" ( 1 Tim. 5:1-2 ).

In the area of purity, it's a good thing for young people to write down their personal standards. They should be specific about things they will avoid and also write down characteristics of the person they would consider as a potential mate. Having these guidelines will protect their purity and testimony.

VERSE TO CONSIDER: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" ( 1 Pet. 1:15-16 ).

--Harold Vaughan--