Pastor's Bible Bytes

Scripture for the Day: “This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth.” Timothy 2:7 (MSG)

My day was very busy today, but I had to do it! I had a hundred things I could be doing! But God told me to! It was a divine appointment. I walked into the room where this lady was sitting and asked her how she was doing! A moment of a glance in her eyes quickly told me that God had made that appointment! “I’m afraid when I take my treatments! I worry what is going to happen to me!” I assured her that was understandable and I told her why I had come by! One, to pick up some batteries but most importantly to pray for her! I asked her if I could pray for her and she agreed. Standing there in the middle of her room we prayed and the peace of God filled the room! Her words expressed her heart: “I feel so much better! Thank you!” Divine Appointment!

Genuine faith is never meant to be locked up in the heart of the believer; on the contrary, it is meant to be shared with the world. We can get so busy that we forget what we are called to do: Take time … to Share … to Care! When a suffering woman sought healing by merely touching the hem of His garment, Jesus stopped in the middle of His busy day and said, “Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith has made you whole!” (Matt 9:22) The message to believers of every generation is clear: live your faith and live by faith today and every day!

How can you strengthen your faith? Through praise, through worship, through Bible study, and through prayer! Yes! But most importantly, as your share your faith with your friends, your family and with the world, your faith will become stronger and be an encouragement to others.

Quote for the Week: “Our faith grows by expression. If we want to keep our faith, we must share it! We must act!” --Billy Graham

Byte Tip for the Week: Don’t be embarrassed to share your faith! This week take time to share and to care! You will bless others --- and yourself.

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Scripture for the Day: “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” Matthew 6:33 MSG

This is a familiar verse but the reading of it in the Message gives it an extra meaning. Have you fervently asked God to help prioritize your life? Have you asked Him for guidance and for the courage to do the things that you know need to be done? If so, then you’re continually inviting your Lord to reveal Himself in a variety of ways. As a follower of Christ, you can do no less!

Did you catch the words “Steep your life”? Put another way that means ‘to immerse’ your life in something! And did you catch what it is? -- God-realty, God-initiative, and God-provision! Isn’t it wonderful to know that when you walk with the Lord, your life is not governed by chance or by luck? Rather it is God directed – My, what wonderful provision that is!!

When you make God a full partner in every aspect of life, He will lead you along the proper path – His path! When you allow God to reign over your heart, He will honor you with spiritual blessings that are simply too numerous to count. So, as you plan for the day ahead, the week ahead, the year ahead, your life ahead, make God your ultimate priority. When you do, your daily to-do list will take care of itself.

Quote for the Week: “The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists in shoving it all back, in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life coming flowing in!” --C. S. Lewis

Byte Tip for the Week: Trust God – with everything! He is that quiet voice that gives us His point of view!

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Scripture for the Day: “May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose!” Psalm 20:4 NKJV

It has to be one of the most beautiful verses in all of God’s Word! This verse is a self-fulfilling prophecy of your life today that is alive, well, and living at your home if you will apply it. If you trust God and have faith for the future, your optimistic beliefs will give you direction and motivation. That’s the reason you should never lose hope, but certainly not the only reason. The primary reason that you, as a believer, should never lose hope is because of God’s unfailing promises.

Make no mistake about it: thoughts are powerful things; your thoughts have the power to lift you up or to hold you down. When you acquire a habit of hopeful thinking in Him, you will have acquired a powerful tool for improving your life. So if you fall into the habit of negative thinking, think again. After all, God’s Word teaches us that Christ can overcome every difficulty, every obstacle. So here’s the beautiful verse … just for today: Whatever is hovering over your life – the loss of a loved one, the financial picture of your world, your own spiritual growth - well, start thinking about all of God’s goodness and know that God will grant you according to your heart’s desire and He will fulfill His purpose in you! God promises that! And when God makes a promise, He keeps it.

Quote for the Week: “Teach us to set our hopes on heaven, to hold firmly to the promise of eternal life, so that we can withstand the struggles and storms of this world.” --Max Lucado

Byte Tip for the Week:As you plan for tomorrow, be aware that attitudes have a way of transforming themselves into reality. In other words, how you think will help determine what you become. So think realistically about yourself and your situation while making a conscious effort to focus on hopes, not fears. When you do, you’ll put the self-fulfilling prophecy of this verse to work for you.

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Scripture for the Day: “The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy! ” Proverbs 16:20 Holman CSB

It was a song I loved to sing! I could really get down in singing it!! “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!” You could actually go through all the parts of your body expressing your happiness – clap your hands, stomp your feet, saying amen! Do you feel like doing that today? Maybe so! Maybe not!

If not it may be because we are imperfect human beings and we often times tend to worry. Even though we are Christians who have been given the assurance of salvation – even though we are Christians who have received the promise of God’s love and protection – we find ourselves fretting over the countless details of everyday life. And that robs us of our freedom and our happiness. Jesus understood our concerns when He spoke the reassuring words found in Matthew 6: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

As you consider this week the promises of Jesus, remember that God still sits in His heaven and you are His beloved child. He knows everything that is going on in your life! And – He is in the process of working out His perfect will for you. When you remember that, you will worry a little less and trust God a little more, and that’s as it should be because God is trustworthy…and you are protected…and you don’t have to worry about one single thing! God will take care of you! And that should make you have happiness and joy in life just to be walking with Jesus and His will for you!

Quote for the Week: “Worry makes you forget who’s in charge!” --Max Lucado

Byte Tip for the Week:: If you are worried about things going on in your life right now – your present state or your upcoming future – let me encourage you to remember God’s promises and stop worrying! In fact start working toward the future. The more time you spend working and praying toward the future, the less time you have to spend worrying about the present! And who knows – trusting God – you may just want to declare your happiness by singing and clapping your hands, stompin’ your feet, and sayin’, “AMEN!” Stop worrying, be happy! God is in control!

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Scripture for the Week: “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us.” Luke 11:4

God’s power to forgive, like His love, is real and infinite. Despite your and my shortcomings, despite our sins, God offers us immediate forgiveness and eternal life when you accept Christ as your Savior.

As a believer who is the recipient of God’s real forgiveness, how should you then behave toward others? Should you forgive them (just as God has forgiven you) or should you remain embittered and resentful? The answer, of course, is found in God’s Word: we are instructed to forgive others. When we do, we not only obey God’s command, you also free yourself from a prison of your own making. So many people live their lives imprisoned in their emotions because they refuse to forgive! It never helps your life to carry an unforgiving heart.

So, on the beginning of this week, stop a moment, and ask yourself if there is someone in your life that you need to apply the balm of forgiveness? If so, give them real forgiveness – today! I promise you will feel so much better and so will the other person. Offer them real forgiveness!

Quote for the Week: “Only the truly forgiven are truly forgiving.” --C. S. Lewis

Byte Tip for the Week:: God’s Word instructs us to forgive others... no exceptions! Practice offering real forgiveness this week.

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Scripture for the Week: “Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can't quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you!”Colossians 1:3 (MSG)

Sometimes, life-here-on-earth can be complicated, demanding, and frustrating. When the demands of life leave us rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, we may fail to pause and thank our Creator for the countless blessings He bestows upon us. But, whenever we neglect to give proper thanks to the giver of all things good, we suffer because of our misplaced priorities.

As believers who have been saved by a risen Christ, we are blessed beyond human comprehension – salvation, friends, family – you name it. God tremendously blesses us! We who have been given so much should make thanksgiving a habit, a regular part of our daily routines. Of course, God’s gifts are too numerous to count, but we should attempt to count them nonetheless. We owe our Heavenly Father everything, including our eternal praise . . . starting right now.

Quote for the Week: “If you pause to think – you’ll have cause to thank!” --Anonymous

Byte Tip for the Week:: Today and every day, it’s time to count your blessings and to think thankfully and optimistically about the future. Take a moment to pause – think – and then thank God! It will surprise you what God has done – for you! Your week will be better!

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Scripture for the Week: “Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. ”1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASV

Your words and attitudes have a powerful effect on other people. The woman caught in adultery is a case in point. The Pharisees wanted to handle her and her sin by stoning her. How different was Jesus attitude. Looking at her with compassion, He said: “Neither do I condemn you…go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Lifted, redeemed, empowered, you can’t help but believe she spent the rest of her days trying to live up to Christ’s view of her. The mandate to encourage one another” and “build each other up” is woven throughout the New Testament. ALL of us need reassurance and appreciation. So why do we sometimes pocket the praise we should pass on to others, or sidestep the practical help we could offer to open the way for them to succeed? Sometimes it’s simply because we’re lazy, or selfish, or we fall into the habit of taking people for granted. Sometimes it’s just easier to find fault. We assume our approval is obvious. Are we afraid our praise might be a stumbling block, causing pride in them? Jesus didn’t fear that when He hailed Nathanael: “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false” (John 1:47 NIV). What a compliment! The truth is, more people die of broken hearts than swelled heads. So today ask God for an opportunity to offer genuine praise to someone in your life. Ask Him to use you to come alongside them, and encourage them toward their goal.

Quote for the Week: “When you extend hospitality to others, you’re not trying to impress people, you’re trying to reflect God to them. ” --Max Lucado

Byte Tip for the Week:: Kindness and encouragement is contagious – make sure that your family and friends catch if from you.

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Scripture for the Week: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV

I downloaded some gospel music to my Iphone the other day and pressed the “play” button to hear the first song. These were the words: “Great is thy faithfulness! O God our Father! Morning by morning new mercies I see! All I have needed Thy hand hath provided! Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” Now I can’t seem to stop singing about the faithfulness of God.

God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him. God keeps His promises to us even when we stray far from His will. He continues to love us even when we are disobedient and do not keep His Word. But God does not force His blessings upon us. If we are to experience His love and His grace, we must claim them for ourselves. Today the encouragement from the scripture is summed up in the first three words: “God is faithful!” He is!

Are you tired, or discouraged, or fearful? Be comforted: God is with you! Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father. Are you bitter? Talk with God and seek His guidance. Are you celebrating a great victory, a new change, or different direction in your life? Thank God and praise Him! He is the Giver of all good things. In whatever condition you find yourself, trust God, and be comforted. The Father is with you now … and forever!

Quote for the Week: “God’s faithfulness has never depended on the faithfulness of his children…God is greater than our weakness. In fact, I think, it is our weakness that reveals how great God is.” --Max Lucado

Byte Tip for the Week: You can be sure that no matter what life brings to you this week that God’s faithfulness is steadfast, unwavering, and eternal! Take a moment and sing about the faithfulness of God! “Great is thy faithfulness! O God our Father!” Are you feeling better? You should be! God is faithful. No matter what!

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Scripture for the Week: “So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ!” !” 2 Timothy 1:1 MSG

This coming week we will be celebrating the independence of the United States of America! As we come to that celebration a thought came to my mind: “Now is the time for America! Now is the time for Christians to take our stand for Him!” America is in need of real revival in our land! Now is the time!

Our Byte verse says “throw yourself into this work for Christ!” What better task for Christians in America than to do exactly that. God’s love for you is deeper and more profound than you can imagine. God’s love for you and America and for the world is so great that He sent His only Son to this earth to die for our sins and to offer us the priceless gift of eternal life. That is wonderful! However, everyone must decide whether or not to accept God’s gift.

However, it is our task – those who have received God’s wondrous love – to share that love and words from God with our nation and our world. This next week of celebration and in the days ahead think of the many different ways that you can share God’s love with those people that around you. Your decision to allow Christ to reign over your heart was a pivotal decision of your life. It is a decision that we cannot ignore. It is a decision that calls us to ‘throw ourselves’ into sharing His love for the world! And today – as we celebrate the freedom we have in Christ – there is no better time to do it! It may be with your family, a friend, a coworker or neighbor who needs to hear how much God loves you and them! Now is the time for us and now is the time for America – God loves us! Throw yourself into the work – Jesus did for us!

Quote for the Week: “We have in Jesus Christ a perfect example of how to put God’s truth into practice!” --Bill Bright

Byte Tip for the Week: think about ways that you can follow Christ – and think about ways you can encourage others to do the same. Celebrate your freedom in Christ by sharing it with others! The freedom of Christ can set them free!

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Scripture for the Week: “See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15 HCSB

If we could forgive other people “once and for all,” life would be so much simpler, but it doesn’t seem to work that way. Forgiveness is seldom a “one-time” decision; usually, forgiveness is a much more gradual process.

Each day is a gift from God, but if your heart is filled with anger or regret, you simply won’t be able to enjoy God’s blessings. So, if you’re struggling to forgive someone who has hurt you, do the right thing: spend a few quiet moments each morning thanking God for His gifts and asking Him to heal your broken heart. Ask Him to help you administer a forgiving heart to someone in need. He can heal you – and he will heal you – if you don’t grow tired of asking for His help.

Quote for the Week: “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.” --Corrie Ten Boom

Byte Tip for the Week: This week think about someone who needs to be the recipient of your love and maybe your forgiveness. When you bring that person before the Lord – for whatever their needs – then drop that person a note, an encouraging word, or a word of forgiveness. It will surprise you how much better YOU feel!

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Scripture for the Week: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV

Yesterday was a new day in my sister’s life – she entered her first day of retirement from a position of leadership she had held for over 30 years! As she sat on her patio, she texted these words to me – “Well, here I am sitting on the patio with coffee this first day of my new life. Wow! God is good! Isaiah 43:19.” I thought about that as I wrote this week’s Bible Byte.

Each new day offers countless opportunities to serve God, to seek His will, and to obey His teachings. When we do that we find happiness, fulfillment, and hope for a new day! For, you see, ending one chapter of your life as a child of God today; only turns the page to the new chapter of what God has for you to do tomorrow. He will do a new thing!

Sometimes though, a day offers the opportunity for us to stray away from God’s commands and to wander from His path. Usually, we wander aimlessly in a wilderness of our own making, but God has better plans for us. And, whenever we ask Him to renew our strength and guide our steps, He does so.

So – consider this day a new beginning – wherever you are and whatever is happening in your life. Consider it a fresh start, a renewed opportunity to serve your Creator with willing hands and a loving heart. Ask God to renew your sense of purpose as He guides your steps. Today is a glorious opportunity to serve your Father in heaven. Seize that opportunity while you can! Joan, congratulations on the “new thing” God is doing in your life! It is a new beginning of a great walk with God. (Excuse my personal note to my sister!)

Quote for the Week: “Don’t be intimidated by your past, good or bad. Face it, deal with it and then get over it and let it go. Begin a new day and new tradition for those who follow after you. Realize that God will always be with you.” -Dennis Swanberg

Byte Tip for the Week: If you are graduating into a new phase of life, be sure to make God your partner. If you do, He’ll guide your steps, He’ll help carry your burdens, and He’ll help you focus on the things that really matter.

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