Daily Devotional Week of 11-11-2002

Monday 11-11-02

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. - Ephesians 5:4

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians gives some practical advice about conversing with others. Paul encourages us to be concerned about the quality and content of our conversation. When we speak carelessly, without concern for how our words might effect others, we are not encouraging or building others up, nor are we practicing the art of holiness. I knew a person who seemed to delight from time to time in using coarse talk for shock value. Why? This sister in Christ told me that in her opinion Christians were just a little too uptight and stuffy and this was her way of breaking the ice so to speak. But God's word tells us quite the contrary. We are to fill our mouths with sincere praise, thanksgiving and truth for the purpose of building others up and bringing glory to our most high God. We are called to be holy, separated unto God for His holy purposes. Pray today that God would cleanse your heart and therefore your mouth. Pray also that He would fill your mouth with words that bring honor and glory to his name.

For further study: Colossians 3:8, 1 Peter 1:15

Tuesday 11-12-02

John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." - Luke 3:11

When we are connected with others we are in tune with their needs. When we are connected with God we are available for His holy service. When we see someone in need we are to share with him or her out of the overflow in our own lives. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:14 "your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality." What a wonderful system God has designed to provide for His people. God does not intend for us to go without, but He does intend for us to share out of our surplus. In that way the needs of many are easily met. Thank God today for His generous provisions in your life. Pray also that He would use you to supply the needs of others.

For further study: 2 Corinthians 9:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:7

Wednesday 11-13-02

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! - Matthew 7:11

Gift giving is a wonderful way to connect to others. Recently, I was working with a couple and the wife asked her husband to replace her engagement ring that had been sold a few years back during hard times. The only stipulation she gave him about how to select a new ring for her was that it had to be from his heart. What she was really saying was, "I want this ring to demonstrate to me that you really know me. This ring has to be like one I would pick out for myself, a ring that suits my style, my personality, and my inner beauty." Gifts of this nature enhance emotional intimacy with others. The best and most appreciated gift is a gift that demonstrates to the receiver that the giver really knows them. The Bible tells us that all good and perfect gifts come from our Father above. All the gifts He gives are perfectly suited to His children's needs. Pray today that God would make you like Him, a giver of good gifts.

For further study: James 1:17, Romans 11:29

Thursday 11-14-02

A friend loves at all times... - Proverbs 17:17

Friends love through good times and bad times, through trials and misunderstandings. Most friends at one time or another will encounter struggles. I am reminded that David and Jonathan, who loved each other deeply, had some serious crises come up in their friendship. But because both men were committed to the truth and were willing to be open and honest with each other, their friendship prevailed. The difference between true friends and not so true friends is that in times of trouble true friends want to work through things, they don't give up. Fair weather friends on the other hand, bail out when the weather gets stormy. Friendships are to be a reflection of God's love and faithfulness to us. Pray today that you would be a friend who loves at all times.

For further study: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 1 Peter 4:8

Friday 11-15-02

Faithful are the wounds of a friend... - Proverbs 27:6

What good is a friend if all they do is placate us, if all they do is tickle our ears with what we want to hear. One of the marks of a true friend is that they are willing to speak the truth in love even when it hurts. The hurt from the truth, however, is not the kind of hurt that results in damage to our souls. It is the kind that ultimately tears down strongholds and promotes healing and sanctification allowing our brothers and sisters in Christ to experience a greater measure of God's kindness. Pray today that God would make you a fearless friend, one willing and able to deliver the occasional, but necessary, blow of a loving rebuke. Pray also that God would make you willing to receive the same.

For further study: Psalm 141:5, 2 Samuel 12:7-10

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