Optimist.... oh yeah, it's half full.

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Today's word is Optimist. (ŏp'tə-mĭst)
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the noun optimist as:
1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome.

Having an optimistic attitude is great as long as it's based in the Lord. All else is folly. The saying goes that "ignorance is bliss", but the reality is that ignorance is the companion of disobedience.

What you don't know CAN hurt you....

Having a "Don't worry, be happy" attitude to life without the knowledge of the Lord is a sure road to destruction. As Christians we don't worry, but it's because we are sure of God's care for us - Scripture instructs us about what to do with all our pressing cares:
I Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

The "tomorrow" that we look for is prepared for us already. All of the trials that we go through - and we never go through alone - are not enough to be counted against the glory God has prepared for us. We are saved, but not in possession of a "charmed life". Fierce winds may blow through our lives, but we remain optimistic because of God's promises:
I Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Christian hold you head up in the storm, your glass is not half empty - it's half full.
II Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

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Excellent.... it gets no better.

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Today's word is Excellent.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the adjective excellent as:

1. Of the highest or finest quality; exceptionally good of its kind.
2. Archaic Superior.

God alone is excellent! There is nothing and no one that comes even close to His glory. We all fall short in one aspect or another, and none of us is truly excellent at anything. Our whole concept of excellence is founded in the remnant of God in us. We can see the possibility, but only in Him can we find it in reality.

Scripture says:
Psalm 8:1 O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

and....

Psalm 36:7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

and....

Psalm 148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.


What a mighty God we serve, take time to reflect on His excellence! Observe the work of His hands, and study His Word. Even in the midst of this sin sick and perverted world, if you take the time to look - you will see the excellence of God.

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Influence.... what difference can I make?

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Today's word is Influence. (ĭn'flōō-əns)
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the noun influence as:

1. A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort: relaxed under the influence of the music; the influence of television on modern life.
2. Power to sway or affect based on prestige, wealth, ability, or position: used her parent's influence to get the job.

We are constantly influenced by the things around us. There are many things that come into our lives throughout the day that have an affect on us. Sometimes we don't even realize that we are being affected by our surroundings.

Quite often people say that they don't see why they need to go to church. I understand their feelings - just going to church isn't much help, it's when you become part of a church family that you begin to feel the value of it. We need the influence of other Christians in our lives.

You may not change the world, but if you hang out with it long enough - it will certainly change you. What we see, what we hear, gets inside us and influences our behaviour. If we are surrounded by negative thoughts and people, we grow negative ourselves. If we are surrounded by unbelief, it tends to weaken our own resolve.

Decide for yourself today to become aware of the influences in your life, avoid those negative contacts and strengthen the influences that help you to grow spiritually.

Make an effort to spend time alone with the Word of God. Attend your local church faithfully, and if you don't have a church home - find one as soon as possible. Everybody needs one. Just as our lives are influenced by the home we are raised in, so too our spiritual lives are influenced by the church home we are spiritually raised in. Seek a home where the Word is taught, where earnest folks are seeking God's guidance, and where there is a praying spirit present.

Scripture tells us:
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

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Intrinsic Value.... ain't it worth nothing?

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Today's word is a phrase - Intrinsic Value.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the adverb intrinsic as:
1. Of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent.
and the noun value as:
3. Worth in usefulness or importance to the possessor; utility or merit:
so an accurate definition of intrinsic value would be - something that in and of itself has a usefulness, importance, and merit to the possessor.

Not many things have intrinsic value. Gold doesn't. Gold has value only in the marketplace. Take away the marketplace and gold is worthless. This is true of all 'valuables' taken from the earth.

Most things derive their value from other factors - the marketplace, desire, supposed need. But very few things bring any value with them.

God is different. He has value all in Himself. If you possess Him, you possess everything you will ever need. He brings it all. Why settle for the treats this world has to offer when you can possess the offerer? The one who is the author of all things - Jesus the Christ.

A closer walk with God is the first step to the possession of all the things you truly need. Scripture tells us:
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Remember that all that is real dwells within Christ. The things that bring true value to your life come from a relationship with Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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Wisdom.... tell me something I don't know.

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Today's word is Wisdom.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the noun wisdom as:

1. The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight.
2. Common sense; good judgment: "It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things" (Henry David Thoreau).
3. 1. The sum of learning through the ages; knowledge: "In those homely sayings was couched the collective wisdom of generations" (Maya Angelou).
   2. Wise teachings of the ancient sages.
4. A wise outlook, plan, or course of action.
5. Wisdom Bible Wisdom of Solomon.

Wisdom is more than just the collection of facts and figures that we know, it is the knowledge to know how to make use of what we know. Information is everywhere today, so is learning and knowledge, yet wisdom is sorely lacking.

The more intelligent we become the more inclined we are to rely on ourselves for guidance and wisdom. Scripture tells us differently:
Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Wisdom is a spiritual gift of God. It is precious!
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Unfortunately wisdom cannot be taught - but extra-fortunately we can receive it:
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

In everything we do we need wisdom, common sense won't do. Intelligence won't do. Knowledge alone won't do. Our decisions must be founded in wisdom or they are founded in folly. When I was younger there was a popular saying: "Educated fools", it was used to describe people who had a lot of educational training, but lacked common sense. Through the years I've come to find that there are a lot of "Educated fools" and it has nothing to do with educational training or common sense - it has to do with faith in God.

We search for riches and health, success and prosperity - but we neglect the source of all these things.... Jesus the Christ.

Do I think it's crazy? (notice I say it, not you)
Yeah, I think it's crazy!

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Exalt.... lift Him up!

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Today's word is Exalt. (ĭg-zôlt')
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the verb exalt as:

1. To raise in rank, character, or status; elevate.
   
2. To glorify, praise, or honor.

This word describes our humble attempts to glorify the name of God, as we lift both Him and our fellows up. In all that we do, we are to see that God is glorified. Our actions ought to reflect the fact that our God is 'high and lifted up'.

Others may curse God, but our lives ought to show forth the glory of the Lord. In our triumphs, and even in our failures - we are to acknowledge His greatness. We lift Him up by giving Him the credit due to Him - don't credit 'luck' for what God has done. Don't credit 'circumstance' for the victories God gives. Don't credit 'good fortune' for His blessings! Give God the praise! Say it out loud - Exalt Him!

Share His goodness with others. Talk about the victories He has given you. In your quiet time, open your heart and let loose your love for Him. It might come in a shout, it might come in tears, but let it go.... let Him know that you know He cares.

The psalmist said:

Psalm 43:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

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Imperturbable.... not shaken or stirred.

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Today's word is Imperturbable. (ĭm'pər-tûr'bə-bəl)
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the adjective imperturbable as:
1. Unshakably calm and collected.

This word describes a state of confidence - not indifference. This is not about 'what ever will be will be', rather it's about knowing that all things work together for our good - if we are the called of the Lord.

When we realize that our strength comes from the Lord, and not from the things we see and feel, we arrive at a place of confidence in His provision for us. When we have done our best and truly placed our lives in His hand we can say with imperturbable confidence - Let it be!

We learn to not be 'Bi-polar Christians', bouncing off the walls when material blessings come and draped in sack-cloth and ash when faced with trials. We rest assured that God is in control and do as scripture advises:
I Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

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Resolute.... I won't turn loose.

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Today's word is Resolute. [rez-uh-loot]
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the adjective resolute as:
1. Firm or determined; unwavering.

This word describes the love God has for us, and the love we ought to show Him. We have the assurance that God will never leave us or forsake us, can He count on us the same way?

Good days or bad days our praise for God should remain the same. Our commitment to this Christian life ought to remain the same. Our love of God must remain the same.

There has never been a time in my life that the sun wasn't shining. At night it is shining, the part of the earth I live on is just turned from it. On a cloudy day it is still shining, though the clouds temporarily block it's view. God is much like that, we may not always feel His concern, but He is always there.

Trials come and trial go, but nothing - again I say nothing.... can separate us from the love of God!

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Courageous.... I believe just what He said.

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Today's word is Courageous.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the adjective courageous as:
1. Having or characterized by courage; valiant.

Courageous and valiant are words that don't get much use now at days. They are words that describe personal character, and require deep abiding belief in some principle.

Today's soundtrack may sound a little hooky, but it describes the heart-felt convictions of a good man. Someone who really believes in the things he is fighting for. Today it is hard to find such people. People who are willing to give all for a worthy cause. People who are willing to go against the 'crowd' if it means that have to compromise their convictions.

Just for today Christian, be courageous in the things of God. Don't compromise with this world order - stand your ground. Display your faith in God by living this day true to His principles. Don't curse because the 'crowd' does, don't gossip because the 'crowd' does, don't deny Jesus Christ because the 'crowd' does.

We are not called to live by 'polls', public opinion and 'peer-pressure' shouldn't affect the way we think or act. We are called by God into a life well pleasing in His sight. If you believe the testimony God has given of Himself, live like you believe it!

Display Godly strength:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

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Satisfaction.... what, me?

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Today's word is Satisfaction.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the noun satisfaction as:

1. The fulfillment or gratification of a desire, need, or appetite.
2. Pleasure or contentment derived from such gratification.
3. A source or means of gratification.

Ah America, it seems the more we have the more we want. Satisfaction is in short order. No matter what we have, there is always something that someone says we ought to have - that we don't have yet.

If we can't find satisfaction, (and we accept the above definition of satisfaction) we have to check our desires, needs, and appetites. Maybe our expectations are out of line.

What do you truly desire? Have you ever had a desire fulfilled? Were you satisfied?
What do you truly need? Have your needs ever been met? Were you satisfied?
What are your appetites? Have they ever been fed? Were you satisfied?

Society shouldn't impose it's standard for satisfaction on us. Satisfaction is a personal achievement, nobody can make you satisfied. You must find it for yourself.

Satisfaction doesn't come from people, places, or things - it is found in a right relationship with the source of all things - God. Ignoring this simple truth is the source of our frustration. When we desire His presence in our lives, realize that our only need is Him (He is the supplier), and set our appetites on the things of God - satisfaction surely follows.

Scripture tells us:
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Notice the absence of an (s) on the word need. It is not the things that God wishes to supply, but His Holy Presence in your life.

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Forgiven.... guilty but not condemned.

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Today's word is Forgiven.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the verb forgiven as:

1. To excuse for a fault or an offense; pardon.
2. To renounce anger or resentment against.
3. To absolve from payment of (a debt, for example).

Forgiven, an easy word to say - a hard act to do. It requires the love of God to forgive the wrongs that have been done to us. Revenge is our natural reaction to hurts.

There is a young man in Michigan named Nathaniel Abraham, who was convicted at the age of 11 of killing another young man. His case has been watched closely by many. Recently he was released from jail after serving his time and set to appear on the Oprah Winfrey show.

There was talk that on that show he would apologize to the family of Ronnie Green Jr. the young man he was convicted of killing. The apology apparently took place in Oprah's office though because those involved wanted to keep the meeting as private and personal as possible under the conditions.

Guilty but not condemned. It's a point we all have to reach, we have to accept that a wrong has been done to us, and we have to move on. Hatred and animosity are companions and killers. They kill our joy, and rob us of the power to love.

It has been reported that Ronnie Green Jr.'s brother Chris accepted Abraham's apology and stated that he had forgiven him. That's a start. There are so many who aren't even involved with this case who have condemned this young man who need to forgive him also.

Doesn't it seem wrong to forgive someone when you know them to be guilty?
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Thank God that Jesus didn't think so....

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