Today's Good News February 2000

Ps. 145:18 "The Lord is close to all who call on Him." NLT

2/1/00 Proverbs11:2
Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Love for God and love for sin cannot coexist. Pride is foolishness and flies in the face of God. We are so limited and pride declares that we are unlimited. Pride is a lie. The Lord will personally move against a person that is full of pride.

2/2/00 Proverbs 11:3
Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty.

Deceit and dishonesty create a life of destruction. That kind of person sows seeds of discord and disharmony everywhere they go. They will not miss their reward. Their end will be self-destruction. God’s Word is true. His values never change.

2/3/00 Proverbs 11:4
Riches won't help on the Day of Judgment, but right living is a safeguard against death.

There is a day coming when the Lord will pour out His wrath upon the evil. On that day God will settle accounts with all people. There is no amount of money that can buy a person’s way out of the judgment. The only solution is the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2/4/00 Proverbs 11:6
The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them.

When we ask Christ to forgive us of our sin, come into our hearts and save us, we are saved. We have become a member of the family of God. Our response to God with the recognition that the Lord has provided a way has indeed provided a way for us. Jesus rescues us from our sin against God and unites us with the Father. We have bent the knee to victory.

2/5/00 Proverbs 11:12 -13
It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent. A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He is a scandalmonger and talebearer. If I belittle my neighbor, gossip or lie, I am acting like Satan. If I do this regularly, whose child am I?

2/6/00 Proverbs 11:14
Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety.

Wealth is not always a blessing. Sometimes wealth is a test. Will I take of the widows and orphans? Will I protect the innocent and helpless? What will I do with my wealth?

2/7/00 Proverbs 11:17
Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.

Peace comes to the peaceful. Help is given to the helpful. The daily actions we take and the way that we see others is simply a reflection of the way we see ourselves. Be careful the evil you pursue for you will be the one that is overrun.

2/8/00 Proverbs 11:18-19
Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. Godly people find life; evil people find death.

We will reap what we sow. Our lives are made up of what we do. If I follow my own ideas and yearnings, the result will be a wasted life. If I seek God’s way and strive to know Him the result will be Godly life.

2/9/00 Proverbs 11:20
The LORD hates people with twisted hearts, but he delights in those who have integrity.

God’s all seeing eye is upon us. How does the Lord evaluate your life? Are the secret thoughts you think embarrassing? Are the hidden things you do abominable to the Lord? God knows what you are thinking and what you are doing.

2/10/00 Proverbs 11:24-25
It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

God is no man’s debtor. As you grow in Christ-likeness you will discover that you cannot out give God. Generosity is the seed we sow for a prosperous life.

2/11/00 Proverbs 11:27
If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!

You do not have to stray far to destroy your life. Evil is all around us. My prayer at this stage of my life is “Lord don’t let me mess up now.” Satan is seeking whom he might devour.

2/12/00 Proverbs 12:1
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

Growth doesn’t come easily. Failure is often involved in significant steps of maturity. The Lord uses others to help us regain our balance when we fail. Listen carefully when a friend gives advice. It may be from the Lord.

2/13/00 Proverbs 12:11
Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.

Work hard. Love all. Be careful. Look both ways when you cross the street. Simple edicts that if ignored can cause one great grief. Our lives are built one day at a time.

2/14/00 Proverbs 12:15 -16
Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

When you get angry remember that you are acting like a fool. Establish a process where you can regain your composure. Be calm. Think clearly. Be wise.

2/15/00 Proverbs 12:18
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

God cares for you. You can be confident that the Father will guide you with wisdom to help when a friend is hurting. Sometimes a comforting touch is all that is needed. Other times you will need to pray carefully for what the Lord would have you say. .

2/16/00 Proverbs 12:19
Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed.

Lies carry the seeds of their own destruction. What seems for the moment to be a safe refuge is a perilous trap. Tell the truth. Tell the truth first then you won’t have to face the music later. The Word of the Lord is truth and always trustworthy. As a servant of the Lord we also should be truthful.

2/17/00 Proverbs 12:20
Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

God always takes a long-range view. He knows what the end will be. Unless we commit ourselves to the things of God, we will suffer from a short-range view. Think with eternity as your yardstick.

2/18/00 Proverbs 12: 22
The LORD hates those who don't keep their word, but he delights in those who do.

I don’t want to be an enemy of the Lord. When I fail to keep my word, I am hurting my friend but destroying myself.

2/19/00 Proverbs 12:23
Wise people don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their folly.

Loud talk is the label of a fool. Cursing and big boasts are the trademark of one doomed to disappointment. Wisdom is peaceful and gentle. What’s that you were saying?

2/20/00 Gen 22:2
"Take your son, your only son – yes, Isaac, whom you love so much – and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you."

You and you alone are responsible for your condition. When you look at what you are doing today you can get a good idea of what tomorrow will be like. Abraham’s journey to Moriah was the culmination of a long walk of obedience to the Lord. His response was fashioned years before by his daily growing faith in the Father.

2/21/00 Gen 29:18
Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he told her father, "I'll work for you seven years if you'll give me Rachel, your younger daughter, as my wife."

Our most important goals and desires are worth working for. Has the Lord put someone or something on your heart? If He has, work for them. If there is someone you have been praying for 5, 10, 15 or more years, keep at. Never give up on them. The Lord didn’t give up on you.

2/22/00 Proverbs 13:3
Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.

Count to ten when you are tempted to respond in anger. You never have to apologize for what you don’t say.

2/23/00 Deuteronomy 7:12
"If you listen to these regulations and obey them faithfully, the LORD your God will keep his covenant of unfailing love with you, as he solemnly promised your ancestors.

Read God’s Word. You are responsible for the way you act. Fortify your heart and your life with wisdom from God’s Word. The hour of temptation arrives without warning. Be prepared.

2/24/00 1Ki 8:23
He prayed, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will.

God has grafted us into His covenant family. In Christ we have all of the blessings that the Lord has promised. Rejoice in the Lord. As His child you are blessed beyond comprehension. Pray that the Lord will expand your understanding of His deep love for you.

2/25/00 1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

The more we think about what God has done, the more we can appreciate the miracles that He has worked in our own lives. It is a miracle everyday when we wake up. The breath of life is precious and beyond compare. Thank the Lord today for all of the wonderful gifts He has given you.

2/26/00 Deuteronomy 10:12-13
And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord’s commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good.

Respect, follow, love, worship and obey the Lord. When you do this you will be surrounded by His love and peace. Life can be a lot simpler than we make it. Trust the Lord.

2/27/00 Leviticus 19:18
"Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

We need to see ourselves the way God sees us. He sent His son to die that we might have life. What greater act of love could there be? What greater worth could we have?

2/28/00 Ps 6:4
Return, O LORD, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love.

People count with the Lord. God wants us to think about each other the way He does. When we review our wealth, we should remember that people are the assets of God’s portfolio. What’s in your portfolio?

2/29/00 Ps 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

Evil and suffering seem to go unchecked. Sometimes we are tempted to think that the Lord is slow about responding. God’s love does not fail. Your faith is safe with Him.

This is Mike Clay reminding you that Jesus loves you.

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