Today's Good News

September 1999

9/1/99 Isaiah 43:7
All who claim me as their God will come, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

We are never apart from the Lord. Alive, He is with us. When we die we will be where He is. God is the giver of all good and perfect gifts. Our life is a gift from Him. It is a good gift. Get busy. Live your life.

9/2/99 Isaiah 43:10-11
“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!,” says the Lord, “And you are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God; there never has been and never will be. I am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

I am a witness to the risen Lord Jesus. If I know Him and the power of His presence then I will tell others about Him by word and deed. If I am only a pretender, then I won’t have anything to say. Jesus is Lord.

9/3/99 Isaiah 43:13
From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse my actions. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God is big. We don’t realize how big. God is and is in control of all things. He does not make mistakes. God is never forgetful. He is not at a distance. God loves you and me. He has a plan for our lives. He is Lord of all.

9/4/99 Isaiah 43:25
I—yes, I alone—am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God forgives sinners. I am a sinner and He has forgiven me fully and completely. Think of the person that has done the worst thing in the world to you. Forgive that person, not because they deserve it but because God has forgiven you. Christ died for you.

9/5/99 John 4:23-24
For the time is coming and is already here when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.   Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

You can’t work your way to heaven. You heart must be cleansed from unrighteousness. Jesus gives us a new heart. It is the heart transplant that God provides that enables us to worship Him. Think carefully, how is your heart? Forgiving, generous, open, loving or is it the way it has always been?

9/6/99 1 Peter 2:4
Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by the people, but he is precious to God who chose him.   Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

Jesus holds all things together. Without Christ the world would not exist. Are you a bystander in the activity of life? Are you dead in your trespasses and sin? If you do not know Jesus you are a bystander, dead in your trespasses and sin. If you know Jesus, the call is to grow and become like Christ.

9/7/99 I Peter 2:5-6
And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are God’s holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ. As the Scriptures express it, ” I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a chosen cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed.”  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

You have a responsibility in the Kingdom of God. His church is His chosen tool for ministry in this world. You are a part of His church. He works thru people. Let Him work thru you. He commissions you to be His representative. When you care for others and share about Jesus you are caring the way that Jesus cares.

9/8/99 Hebrews 13: 15-16
With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

You are your brother or sister’s keeper. Greed is a sin. When we hoard our wealth we are being greedy and sinning. Open your heart and you will open your pocket book. When you come to Jesus, you learn to care about others. Jesus loves you.

9/9/99 Colossians 1:9-10
We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while you will learn how to know God better and better.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

What we do comes out of what we are. We are called to make Christ first in our lives. The reason for this is that Christ destroys godless lives. We can fake a godly life for a while but when the winds of change or tribulation strike godless folk act like their father, Satan. Believe in Jesus. He is Lord of all.

9/10/99 I Timothy 2: 1-3
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he wants everyone to be saved  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God would that all be saved. Wherever you are what ever you have done, God is calling you to salvation. If you do not know Jesus, you are lost, dead in your trespasses and sin. It doesn’t matter how smart, how rich, how lucky, how handsome, how pretty, or when you think death is coming to you. When you die, if you do not know Jesus, you will spend eternity separated from the Lord. You will live an eternal death. You will be in continuous despair and pain. Choose Jesus while you can.

9/11/99 Psalm 147:11
The Lord’s delight is in those who honor him, those who put their trust in his unfailing love. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

We honor the Lord by obeying Him. God’s children seek to know Him and find out what He would have them do. It takes time and energy to trust the Lord. Obedient children bless Him. Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me. Help me, Father, to be an obedient child.

9/12/99 1 John 3: 21-22
Dear friends, if our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that please him. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

You know when you sin. Go to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. When you ask for forgiveness ask also for the power and wisdom to change. God delights in our obedience and will abundantly give us what we need to live our lives wisely.

9/13/99 1 John 3: 23-24
And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments live in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

The promises of God are a rich resource for our daily life. We can face the unknown confidently with the full assurance that our Father will hear us when we call out to Him. He is concerned about our good. God is on our side.

9/14/99 James 1:5-6
If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God is here. He is always by our side. Anytime we talk with God, we know that He listens aggressively to our requests. His answers are always forthcoming, always timely, and always adequate. We serve a mighty God who gloriously saves us to live our lives with Him.

9/15/99 Psalm 32: 8-9
The LORD says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or a mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God would like to guide us with love and wisdom. If we become His child and live disobedient lives, God will guide us with discipline and punishment. Your choice, obey God.

9/16/99 Proverbs 6: 20-23
Obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s teaching. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning they will advise you. For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

Learn from your mistakes. Listen to your parents. Seek wise counsel for all your decisions. Be careful when you question advice. Make sure that your wisdom comes from the Word and not the world.

9/17/99 Joshua 1: 8
Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

Life is not easy. It is filled with many challenges and tribulations. You need godly counsel to survive. God’s Word gives us wisdom, courage and hope. The Word of God is a light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet. With the Lord we will be successful. When we read His Word and think about what He has said we can follow Him.

9/18/99 Joshua 1:9
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

We must learn to be who we are. Our gifts and our skills are the exact gifts and skills that the Lord God gave us. We can lead joyous and abundant lives being who we are. The Lord made us. He will not desert us. We are not alone. We are not at the mercy of the world. We were not a mistake. We are loved and valuable. Be blessed because the Lord God Almighty loves you.

9/19/99 Psalm 37: 23
The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.   Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God is good. Every thought that God has toward you is for your good. Who you are and what you do is more important to Jesus than it is to you. You can trust the Lord Jesus. He will provide the resources you need for living your life. Remember that He gave His life for you. He loves you that much.

9/20/99 Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your path.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

Read the Word of God. Does your decision square with God’s Word? Seek council from those around you that are wise. Is the course you are taking wise? Spend time with the Lord in prayer and seek His council. Does the Lord speak to the issue? In all of these ways and more the Father seeks to give us wisdom to live our lives. Trust in the Lord. Be wise.

9/21/99 Proverbs 3:11-12
Don’t ignore it when the LORD disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

Why are you in trouble this time? Have you ignored a direct command from the Lord? His Word is a command to us for righteous and godly living. When you disobey your Father’s directives, He will discipline you. Straighten up. Quit whining. Thank God that He cares for you. Be obedient.

9/22/99 Isaiah 47:17-18
The LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good and leads you along paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling like waves.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

We go our own way so easily. Watch how you are living your life. Immediate repentance is our response when we find ourselves against God. If you are not where you you should be, ask the Lord to forgive you of your sin, turn from your wicked ways and follow Him.

9/23/99 Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.   Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God is trustworthy. He never wavers. He is never caught off-guard. He is interested in my life. His eye is upon me. He is intimately involved in all the events of my life. God cares for me.

9/24/99 1 Peter 2: 2-3
You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

Growth is our option. Too many Christians never grow and constantly whine about their failures. God’s Word helps us to grow. It points out the right path for us to walk. Time with Jesus enables us to change. Growth requires change. If we fail to focus on the Word and Christ we will not grow. If you find yourself immature in your faith, confess your failure and turn to Jesus. Ask Him to help you read the Word with interest and understanding. Then you will grow.

9/25/99 II Timothy 2: 19
God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription; “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Those who claim to belong to the Lord must turn away from all wickedness.” Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

False teachers are always with us. It is not our responsibility to prove they are wrong. We are called to follow Jesus. God’s truth does not change. Jesus is God’s truth. He does not change. He will not leave us. Follow Him.

9/26/99 II Timothy 2:20-21
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

Allow God to use you. He has a good plan for your life. God’s use is the best use of our lives. Let God have His way with you. Be about His service and you will find the best use of your life. Joy and peace will be the result of surrendering your plans to Him.

9/27/99 II Timothy 2: 22
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

A wise person knows they cannot stand in the face of temptation. They run from it into the loving arms of the Father. The guaranteed path of failure is to constantly challenge those things in our life that have proven to be a weakness. God calls us from stupidity to wisdom. Run when you face repeated temptation in your life.

9/28/99 Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who do what is right.  Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God will provide what we need to grow. We sacrifice our time to be with the Lord. It is time with the Lord that enables us to grow. Our life must be carefully controlled to include daily time with the Lord. When we cultivate a relationship with Jesus, He will speak to the needs of our life and encourage our hearts. Christ likeness is the result of a life focused on Christ.

9/29/99 Psalm 86: 11
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

When we face great trials and tribulations we learn the process of yearning for the Lord. It begins on our knees, when we cry out for help. Trouble can be a wonderful blessing. It can outfit us for growing in Christ. Or, it can cause us to be angry with the Lord. Each one of us must make a choice when trouble comes, the Lord’s way or our way.

9/30/99 Psalm 89.1-2
I will sing of the tender mercies of the Lord forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. Hi, I’m Mike Clay with Today’s Good News.

God is faithful. He is faithful to you from this moment throughout eternity. His promises will come true. His eye is on you and He is thinking about you this very moment. He loves you and will never leave you.

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Clay Corvin

Clay Corvin is currently a Bible Teacher and occasional preacher at Bethel Community Baptist Church in New Orleans. He is the retired VP Business and Professor of Admin at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary after completing 38 years as their Business Administrator. He was the pastor at the Brantley Baptist Center for twenty-five years. He is married to Carol Corvin and the father of three children and has three grandchildren. He ministers today as Co-pastor of the Bethel Community Baptist Church and seeks to share the Gospel with everyone. Jesus is Lord!