NAFC Ohio Chapter

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Ecclesiastes 12:14 "God will bring every work into judgement . . . wether good or evil."

Today's Quotation

"Many people believe that Christians are told never to judge others. As "proof", they quote Jesus' words in Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged." But a closer look shows that there are times when we must make judgements.
In verse 1 to 5, Jesus warned us how easy it is to be blind to our own faults while we pick at the faults of others. In verse 6, however, He showed us the necessity of judging. He told us, "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."
To follow Jesus' teaching, we must learn the difference between judging people and evaluating situations. But who among us is wise enough to consider any situation without condemning or judging the persons involved? Thant is why, in verses 7 to 11, we are told to earnestly ask, seek, and implore help from our heavenly Father. "Your Father who is in heaven [will] give good things to those who ask Him" (v.11).
Whenever we must make judgements, we must prayerfully bear in mind that our God is the one who "will bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" ( Ecclesiastes 12:14 ). ---Albert Lee

If you are called upon to judge---A situation to discern, Don't shy away when duty calls, But to God's Word for wisdom turn. ---Hess

The righteous Judge gives discernment to those who ask Him.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Hebrews 3:14 "We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end."

Today's Quotation

"What was wrong with the ancient Israelites? Why did they have trouble trusting God? In Hebrews 3 ,we're reminded that they heard God's promise yet refused to believe. I think we have the same problem today.
God provided for the people on their desert march. They would be satisfied and happy for a while, but then a new crisis would arise. They would stare ahead at their wall of trouble, become frightened, and lose faith.
Before Moses went up the mountain to get instructions from God, the Israelites had recently defeated the Amalekites. Things were going fine. But when Moses stayed on the mountain too long, the people panicked.
Instead of looking back and recalling that God could be trusted, they looked ahead and saw nothing but the possibility of a leaderless future. So they sought to create "gods that shall go before us" ( Exodus 32:1 ). Their trust was blocked by a fear of the future when it could've been solidified with a simple look back at God's deliverance.
Likewise, our obstacles appear huge. We need to look back and reassure ourselves by recalling what God has already done on our behalf. That backward look can give us forward confidence." --- Dave Branon

I have learned to love my Savior, And I trust Him more each day; For no matter what the trial, He will always be my stay. ---Hess

Fear hinders faith, but trust kindles confidence.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Daniel 3:18 "Let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

Today's Quotation

"Ashpenaz, a high court official in ancient Babylon, was committed to banishing any testimony of Israel's God from his kingdom. His strategy focused on young leaders from the captive Hebrews. Ashpenaz gave them new names to honor the pagan gods of Babylon. This made sense to him, because their original Hebrew names honored their God ( Daniel 1:6 ).
But the life choices of those captives were a far more powerful witness than any label put on them. When faced with a literal trial by fire, the young men would not bow down and worship the golden idol. Instead, they accepted the punishment of being cast into a fiery furnace---confident in God's sovereignty and care (ch.3).
Do you know unbelievers who try to pressure you to fit in with their lifestyle? If you don't party with them, follow a questionable business practice, or laugh at an offensive joke, do you get the cold shoulder? People may even call you names because you won't run with their crowd. But when you're rejected because of your loyalty to God, you can live in a way that honors the Father.
It doesn't matter what others call us. How we live our lives before God does. What's important is that we always let our light shine." ---Dennis Fisher

Never mind what others call you---God alone knows every heart; Character is all that matters---Lord, to us this grace impart. ---Hess

A small light can dispel great darkness.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."

Today's Quotation

"After a pre-concert rehearsal in New York City's Carnegie Hall, Randall Atcheson sat on stage alone. He had successfully navigated the intricate piano compositions of Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt for the evening program, and with only minutes remaining before the doors opened, he wanted to play one more piece for himself. What came from his heart and his hands was an old hymn by Elisha Hoffman:
What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms ? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Those words echo the truth in the final blessing of Moses: "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" ( Deuteronomy 33:26-27 ).
What a gift we have in our own arms and hands----they can swing a hammer, hold a child, or help a friend. But while our strength is limited, God's boundless power on our behalf is expressed in might and gentle care.
"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save" ( Isaiah 59:1 ). "He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom" ( Isaiah 40:11 ).
Whatever challenge or opportunity we face, there is security and peace to be found in the everlasting arms of God." ---David McCasland

The heavenly Father's arms never tire of holding His children.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Today's Quotation

"Pastor Stuart Silvester told me of a conversation he had with an acquaintance who frequently flew his small private plane in and out of Toronto International Airport. He asked the pilot if he ever encountered problems taking off and landing a small craft at an airport that was dominated by so many large jets. His friend responded, "My plane may be small, but I have the same rights, the same privileges, and the same access to that airport as anyone else----even the jumbo jets !"
Pastor Silvester then made this spiritual application: "It's the same with prayer, with the believer's approach to the throne of grace. No matter who we are or how small we are in comparison with others or how low our station in life, we take a back seat to no one. No one is given priority treatment."
In a world that offers special treatment to the rich, the famous, and the influential, it's encouraging to know that every child of God has equal access to the heavenly Father. The psalmist said, "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18 ).
With that assurance, we can "come boldly to the throne of grace" in prayer, knowing that our loving God will never turn us away. ---Richard De Haan

There never is a night or day when God can't hear us as we pray; There is no time, there is no place that we're beyond His love and grace." ---D. De Haan

Prayer is an open line to heaven
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Psalm 31:20 "You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence."

Today's Quotation

"A primary school in Japan is testing a system to improve the security of students and also give their parents peace of mind. A radio frequency identification tag carried by each student sends a signal to receivers at school gates, and a computer shows when each student enters or leaves. The system can automatically send an email to notify parents that their children have arrived at school or left for home. In cities where children often commune long distances to school, the system has received high marks from parents, and the kids think it's cool.
It's good to remember that our ultimate safety and protection lie in God's hands. David recalled a time when he felt completely cut off from the Lord's help. But he learned that even in desperate situations, God would hide those who fear Him "in the secret place of [His] presence; . . . [He] shall keep them secretly in a pavillion" ( Psalm 31:20 ).
God always knows where we are. There is no place where He does not hear our cry. "You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You" (v.22).
"Be of good courage," the psalmist concluded, "and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord" (v.24). ---David McCasland

Our strength and hope is in the Lord----We rest secure in His sure Word; And though we're tempted to despair, We know we're kept within His care. ---D. De Haan

No one is more secure than the one who is held in God's hands.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

1 Timothy 4:13 "Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

Today's Quotation

"We are blessed with many wonderful translations of the Bible these days, so it's hard for us to realize that for more than 350 years one version was used by much of the English-speaking world. Today some people recoil at the King James' "thees", "thous", and "verilys". Yet there is something beautiful about hearing it read aloud, especially familiar passages like the 23rd Psalm.
In the book God's Secretaries, author Adam Nicolson chronicles the King James translators' sensitivity to sound. He says that the 12 men sat around the room listening to the text being read aloud. They felt that what governed the acceptability of a particular verse was not only accuracy to the original language, but a pleasant sound of the words.
Paul understood the power of the spoken Word. To the young pastor Timothy he instructed public Bible reading: "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" ( 1 Timothy 4:13 ).
The Word of God stirs the heart when it enters the believer's ear. So whatever version you're reading in your quiet time, in family devotions, or in a church service, remember the power of the spoken Word. Look for opportunities to read it aloud". --- Dennis Fisher



We need to take the time each day to read God's Word and pray, And listen for what He might say to guide us on our way. ---Sper

God speaks through His Word---take time to listen.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

2 Corinthians 10:17 "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

Today's Quotation

"Nadine was in the last stages of cancer when I met her. She was a dedicated Christian and had a wonderful peace from God. She spent her last weeks making scrapbooks for her adult daughters and planning her memorial service.
Nadine's joyful spirit was inviting to be around, and people looked forward to spending time with her. She kept her sense of humor and always shared the ways that the Lord was meeting her needs. Nadine gave everyone around her a glimpse of God's loving character.
When a man who had been born blind was healed by Jesus, he too had the opportunity to show others a glimpse of who God is ( John 9:1-41 ). Neighbors asked, "How were your eyes opened?" (v.10). He told them about Jesus. When Pharisees questioned him, he told them how Jesus had given him sight, and concluded, "If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing" (v.33).
How can we show others what God is like? God can be clearly seen in the way we handle life's difficulties, such as problemms at work or home, or perhaps a serious illness. We can share with others how He is comforting us---and let them know that the Lord cares for them too.
Who in your life needs to see God's love?" ----Anne Cetas

Believers who are Spirit-filled are unaware that God may be Revealing through their Christlike ways a glimpse of His reality.

You can be a glimpse of God's love to someone.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Psalm 23:2 "He leads me."

Today's Quotation

"My dog Whitaker and I like to take early-morning walks in the woods. He runs ahead while I amble along, meditating or praying. I know where we're going; he's not sure. I stay on the trail and he trots ahead---sniffing and taking occasional forays into the forest to chase real or imagined chipmunks.
Though Whit is ahead, I'm leading. Every so often he checks to see where I am. If I've turned back toward home or gone on to another trail, I hear his pounding feet and panting breath as he races to catch up with me. If I hide behind some brush, he runs to the last place he saw me and tracks me down. Then we walk the trail together again.
It's like that with God's leading. He knows the way because He has prepared the way. But sometimes we may not see Him---so we do our best to go where He wants by following the guidance of His Word. Other times it may seem as if He is hidden from us. His pace may not be as fast as we would like, or we wish He would slow down.
Just as Whitaker keeps looking back at me, we need to look to God and His Word at every important juncture we come to. We must rely on the direction of His Spirit.
That's what I thought about today while I was walking with Whitaker." ---Dave Egner

Lead me, if Thou wilt, dear Master, where the whispering waters flow; Guide me through the soft green pastures, let me all Thy goodness know. ---Rae

If you want God to lead you, be willing to follow.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Luke 12:32 "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Today's Quotation

"He knows, He loves, He cares, Nothing this truth can dim, He gives the very best to those who leave the choice with Him.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."

Today's Quotation

"Our thoughts, words, and actions not only mold us, but they largely help to mold those about us."
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Proverbs 19:22 "What is desired in a man is kindness."

Today's Quotation

"I will never forget being in the "big blackout" of November 9, 1965. This widespread power outage darkened eight states in the northeastern US, and portions of Ontario and Quebec in eastern Canada---covering 80,000 square miles and affecting 30 million people.
With no electric lights, candles were in great demand. An announcer on a New York radio station that stayed on the air because it had auxiliary power reported, "An interesting drama is being unfolded on our streets. The price of candles in many stores has doubled. On the other hand, some good-hearted merchants are offering their candles at half price, or even giving them away."
Some store owners let their concern for others in the hour of emergency outweigh their desire for personal gain. Others, however, took advantage of the situation and put their personal gain ahead of their concern for others. The very same circumstances produced both self-seeking opportunists and selfless philanthropists.
What about us ? Would we have pity on those in need and show kindness to them ? ( Proverbs 19:17-22 ). The words of Galatians 6:10 are the only fitting response: "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all." --- Richard De Haan

Do a deed of simple kindness, Though its end you may not see; It may reach, like widening ripples, down a long eternity. --- Norris

OPPORTUNITIES TO BE KIND ARE NEVER HARD TO FIND.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Joshua 3:4 "You have not passed this way before."


Today's Quotation

"When my son Stephen was 8, he was invited to stay overnight at a cousin's house. It was his first time away from home and it all sounded like an exciting adventure. But when my wife and I took him there, he started getting that homesick feeling. With tears glistening in his eyes and his voice quivering, he said, "Mommy, I don't feel so good. I'd better go home with you." My wife responded, "It's up to you, but I know you'd have a good time."
"But Mommy." Stephen whimpered, "they said they were going to climb a big hill tomorrow, and I've never been there before!"
We too can become fearful sometimes as we look ahead, because we've "never been there before." But just as the Lord took care of Joshua and Israel ( Joshua 3 ), He will take care of us.
Perhaps right now you are anxious about some new and untried pathway on which the Lord is leading you. Then listen to God's Word and take courage: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" ( Hebrews 13:5 ). "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . . He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" ( Psalm 23:1,3 ).
Place your hand by faith in your heavenly Father's hand, and let Him lead the way." --- Richard De Haan

"I have promised you My presence---With you everywhere I go;
I will never, never leave you as you travel here below." --Rose

GOD DOES NOT ASK US TO GO WHERE HE DOES NOT LEAD.
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

1 Samuel 3:10 "Speak, for Your servant hears."

Today's Quotation

"One of the happiest memories of my childhood is that of my mother reading Bible stories to me at bedtime. Many of them made a great impression on me, especially the incident in the life of Samuel described in 1 Samuel 3 . I can still hear my mother reciting the young boy's response to the call of God: "Speak, for Your servant hears" (v.10).
Like Samuel, we need to be willing to hear the voice of the Lord. We have this opportunity if in the midst of life's everyday activities we take time to prayerfully read and study the Bible. You see, God's Spirit communicates to us through the Word.
Thomas 'a Kempis (1379-1471) summed it up well when he wrote: "Blessed indeed are those ears which listen not for the voice sounding without, but for the truth teaching inwardly. Blessed are the eyes that are shut to outward things but intent on things inward. Blessed are they who are gald to have time to spare for God, and who shake off all worldly hinderances. Consider these things, O my soul, and hear what the Lord your God speaks."
How long has it been since you've asked the Lord to make your heart receptive to His Word? He wants to hear you say, "Speak, Lord, I'm listening." ---Richard De Haan

By feeding on Your blessed Word, dear Lord, I will no longer weak and childish be; And as I listen to Your Spirit's voice, May Christlike love and grace be seen in me. --Hess

GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS WORD TO THOSE WHO LISTEN WITH THEIR HEART
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John 3:16,17

[BigDog]

The Good Word For Today

Galatians 5:1
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free."




Today's Quotation

"In 1776, the 13 British colonies in North America protested the limitations placed on them by the king of England and engaged in a struggle that gave birth to a brand new republic. The infant nation soon adopted that now-famous document known as the Declaration of Independence.
Almost 2,000 years ago, the Lord Jesus cried out on the cross, "It is finished," proclaiming the believer's "declaration of independence." All humanity was under the tyranny of sin and death. But Christ, the sinless One, died for our sins on Calvary. He satisfied God's righteous demands, and now sets free for eternity all who trust Him.
Paul wrote, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us" ( Galatians 3:13 ). Romans 8 assures us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus . . . For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" ( vv.1-2 ). Galatians 5:1 urges all who have been redeemed to "stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free."
I thank God for the freedom I enjoy as a US citizens. But above all, believers everywhere can praise Him for the freedom that is found in Christ!" ---Richard De Haan

Now are we free---there's no condemnation!
Jesus provides a perfect salvation;
"Come unto Me," O hear His sweet call!
Come---and He saves us once for all." ---Bliss

OUR GREATEST FREEDOM IS FREEDOM FROM SIN
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John 3:16,17