Author Archives: Morris Hull

See The Potential of Godly Children

The visiting preacher at a small village church I attended in Cambridgeshire, England, shared about his calling into the ministry. As a young woman, his mother had been deeply impressed and challenged by the martyrdom of the five young American missionaries in South America in January 1956, including Jim Elliott and Nate Saint. As a result, she dedicated her own life to missions; and after she was married, she prayed and asked the Lord to bless her with five sons to replace the five young missionaries who had been killed.

The young man I heard preach that Sunday evening was the youngest of five boys that the Lord blessed that woman with and each one of those young men was serving the Lord in full-time Christian ministry.

So many Christian parents miss the potential of training their sons and daughters to make an impact upon eternity. The Bible calls children arrows (Psalm 127:4). Our job as parents is to straighten the shaft, to sharpen the point and to trim the feathers so that when we shoot them into the world they hit the target and make an impact in this world for Jesus Christ.

Think of the children that God has blessed you with. Think of their potential and the difference their lives could make if you were to take the time and energy to invest spiritually and emotionally in their young lives.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

The Reason We Loose Our Kids

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” By the words we speak, we have the ability to impart life or the ability to bring about death and destruction to our relationships.

One of the major reasons why we as Christians are loosing our children to the world is not because we are being over-protective (most aren’t protective enough); not because our standards are too high (are our standards higher than God’s?); but because of the negative, critical atmosphere that exists in many Christian homes.

We criticize our spouse. We criticize our children. We criticize our church leaders. We criticize other church members. A cartoon in a Christian magazine portrayed a pompous church member exclaiming, “Faults in others I can see, but praise the Lord there’s none in me.” Don’t believe that for one moment. Compared with the spotless, sinless character of Christ, there is a multitude of character deficiencies that you and I possess.

It’s not that we are essentially good and that there are just a few bad things in our lives keeping us out of heaven. It’s that – as the Bible teaches – In us “dwelleth no good thing” (Romans 7:18). There is an infinite gap – not just between God’s goodness and our badness – but between God’s goodness and our “goodness.” Isaiah 64:6 tells us that “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”

In the first five chapters of the book of Isaiah, the prophet is busy pronouncing woes on all the people around him. Finally in chapter six, he has a vision of God in all of His holiness and majesty and he says, “Woe is me.” Because the closer we get to God the less we see of others’ faults (especially those in our own family) and the more we see the condition of our own sinful hearts.

Let’s rid our homes of that negative, critical atmosphere; and let’s choose life by choosing to bless and praise and encourage those around us.

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Choices We Live And Die With

In Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses addresses the children of Israel and says, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your children may live.”

Life is full of choices. You and I make hundreds of them everyday. Some of our choices are fairly insignificant – should we go to Burger King or McDonald’s? But there are also choices that impact our lives greatly – choices we live and die with. Are we going to encourage or are we going to criticize? Are we going to forgive or are we going to be bitter and angry?

There are the choices we make that are literally choosing and imparting life to those around us. And there are choices we make that are literally bringing death and destruction to our lives and relationships.

Choices that Bring Life or Death:
Forgiveness OR Bitterness
Encouragement OR Criticism
Believing the truth OR Believing Satan’s lies
Yielding our rights OR Fighting for our rights
Serving others OR Demanding others serve us
Humility OR Pride
Overlooking an offense OR Being easily offended
Giving OR Withholding
Loving OR Selfishness

Following God’s Ways represents a far superior way of life than anything else the world has to offer, therefore choose life (as Moses has said) “that both you and your children may live.”

Webster’s Greatest Thought

Someone once asked Daniel Webster, “What is the greatest thought that you have ever had?” He said, “The most awesome, the most terrifying, the most shattering thought I’ve ever had, is my personal responsibility to God.”

The Bible makes it clear that we are each responsible for five things. Each one of us as Christians will be held responsible for every thought (2 Cor 10:4-5), word (Mat 12:36), deed (2 Cor 5:10), attitude (Phl 2:5), and motive (Jer 17:9-10).

In our culture of blame and civil law suits, people refuse to accept responsibility for anything. I heard one pastor say, “I could be a great pastor if it wasn’t for my congregation.” I suppose we could also say, “I could be a great father if it wasn’t for my kids” or “I could be a great husband if it wasn’t for my wife.”

But if there is ever going to be any hope of restoring broken relationships, we need to take full responsibility for our own wrong actions and words and attitudes. As long as we are focusing on the offenses of others, our conflicts will never get resolved.

Don’t wait for the other person to make it right – it may never happen. He may be 95% to blame and you may only be 5% responsible; but take responsibility for your 5% and fully forgive his 95%.

“I Wish I Had Given Him More”

The story is told of a prince who disguised himself in the clothes of a beggar. As he was walking through the streets of the city, he came across another beggar who had just been given a large loaf of bread. The prince pleaded with the beggar for some of the bread. The beggar at first refused, but then rather grudgingly gave the prince three small pieces of bread.

The next day when the prince returned to his palace, he sent his servant to the place where the beggar sat, with a gift of three gold coins and a note that read: “One piece of gold for each piece of bread.” As the servant explained what had happened the previous day and read him the note from the prince, the beggar said, “Oh, I wish I’d given him more.”

That will be the cry of many Christians as we stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ. Not, “Look at all the great things I have done.” Not, “Look at how much I’ve given to the church and missions.” But we will be confronted with the reality of the time wasted, the money misspent and the opportunities missed to share the Gospel with others.

Equally, most individuals experience the type of second option at some point in their resides any time you are experienced by anxious situations. http://djpaulkom.tv/category/music/page/5/ levitra overnight shipping Learning the proper following distance at different speeds in variously-sized vehicles, the safest way to use your cialis no prescription overnight it’s important to visit a doctor and isolate the root cause of your ED. You can buy these herbal remedies from reputed online stores using generic viagra 100mg a debit or credit card to get rid of ED naturally and completely. When blood supply restricts in the penile region, which results in a stiffer penile erection. viagra online When you get to the end of your life, what will you be able to look back on and say, “This is what by God’s grace, I have accomplished for the kingdom of God.” What are you doing with your life that is going to make a difference in eternity?

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

Morris Hull, Home Life Ministries

Bible Stories Related to Flexibility

  • The story of Abraham who left his home and family in obedience to God’s call (Genesis 12).
  • The story of Martha who failed the test of flexibility (Luke 10:38-42).
  • The story of when two dreams required instant flexibility and thereby saved the life of a king (Matthew 2:12-13).

 

Bible Verses Related to Flexibility

Spend an evening (or several) looking at just one of these verses at a time. Discuss with your family what each verse or story teaches about the character quality; and give vital application of how this quality can be applied to your family. Choose several verses to memorize together as a family during the month. Since the English word “flexibility” does not appear in the Authorized Version, we have included a list of verses which relate to this important character quality.

  • Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
  • 1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. {witchcraft: Heb. divination}
  • Psalms 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart. {within…: Heb. in the midst of my bowels}
  • Psalms 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters, [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes [wait] upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
  • Mark 1:16-18 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
  • Psalms 62:10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them]. 
  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 
  • Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 
  • Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
  •  
  • Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. {affection: or, mind} 
  • 2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 
  • 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

Hymns and Choruses Related to Flexibility

  • Have Thine Own Way, Lord! (Adelaide A. Pollard, 1862-1934)
  • Where He Leads Me (E.W. Blandy, 19th Cenrury)
  • Take the World, but Give Me Jesus (Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915)
  • I Surrender All

 

Quotations Related to Discernment

  • Beware of allowing the discernment of wrong in another blind you to the fact that you are what you are by the grace of God — Oswald Chambers
  • Discernment is the power to interpret what we see and hear — Oswald Chambers
  • As thine eye observeth others, so again are the eyes of others upon thee — Thomas a Kempis
  • We sometimes see a fool possessed of wit, but never of judgment — La Rochefoucauld
  • Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to faultfinding — Corrie Ten Boom

 

Personal Evaluation – How much discernment have you?

  • Do you ask God for an understanding heart to discern between good and bad?
  • Do you follow holiness by rejecting all forms of uncleanness?
  • Do you dedicate your body as a temple of the Spirit of God?
  • Do you ask God to remove anything in your life that would hinder you from hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit?
  • Do you listen to both sides of a story before making conclusions?
  • Do you evaluate the benefits for God’s letting something happen?
  • Do you consider a person’s life and background before making a judgment?
  • When you see someone making a wrong decision, do you desire to help?

– taken from The Power for True Success – How to Build Character in Your Life

The “I Wills” of Discernment

  • I will ask questions
  • I will not judge hastily
  • I will learn from experience
  • I will not repeat mistakes
  • I will trace problems to their causes

Character First! Education Series 3

How to Demonstrate Discernment

at Home

  • Perceiving that selfeshness leads to a breakdown in relationships.
  • Realising that rebellion in children may come from an unmet need for parental approval and acceptance.
  • Knowing when it is wise to pay a large sum for an item.
  • Understanding that addictions, wrong friends, suicide, and violence can be caused by unresolved bitterness, guilt, and lack of purpose in life.

at Work/School

  • Asking questions so that you thoroughly understand what is being required of you.
  • Identifying and avoiding business practices that compromise God’s Word.

at Church

  • Helping others to trace their conflicts and problems to violations of Biblical principles.
  • Refusing to share the failures of another with those who are not part of the solution.
  • Recognising that we are more alert to others who have the same failings as ourselves.

Character Definitions of Discernment

  • Learning to use all your faculties to go beneath the surface of a problem. Learning to detect the true wishes and feelings of others. Knowing what to look for in evaluating people, problems, and things. Knowing who God wants me to serve. (Character Clues Game)
  • Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen. (Character First!)
  • Discernment is the ability to distinguish between what is good and what is evil, in order to make wise decisions. (The Power For True Success)

 

Bible Stories Related to Discernment

  • Solomon’s request for discernment and how he used it (1 Kings 3).
  • The story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10).
  • The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden and how they failed to distinguish between what is good and what is evil.
  • Rehoboam who forsook the counsel of his elders and listened instead to the disastrous counsel of his peers (1 Kings 12).

 

Bible Verses Related to Discernment

Spend an evening (or several) looking at just one of these verses at a time. Discuss with your family what each verse or story teaches about the character quality; and give vital application of how this quality can be applied to your family. Choose several verses to memorize together as a family during the month.

0995 Nyb biyn bene

a primitive root; TWOT-239; v

AV-understand 62, understanding 32, consider 22, prudent 8, perceive 7, regard 6, discern 3, instruct 3, misc. 27; 170

1) to discern, understand, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to perceive, discern

1a2) to understand, know (with the mind)

1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider

1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding

1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to understand

1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach

1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently

1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct

2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

  • Genesis 41:33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet <0995> and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
  • Genesis 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet <0995> and wise as thou art:
  • Deuteronomy 1:13 Take you wise men, and understanding <0995>, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. {Take: Heb. Give}
  • Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding <0995> people.
  • Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old, consider <0995> the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. {many…: Heb. generation and generation}
  • Deuteronomy 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed <0995> him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. {led: or, compassed}
  • Deuteronomy 32:29 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider <0995> their latter end!
  • 1 Samuel 3:8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived <0995> that the LORD had called the child. 

03045 edy yada‘ yaw-dah’

a primitive root; TWOT-848; v

AV-know 645, known 105, knowledge 19, perceive 18, shew 17, tell 8, wist 7, understand 7, certainly 7, acknowledge 6, acquaintance 6, consider 6, declare 6, teach 5, misc 85; 947

1) to know

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to know

1a1a) to know, learn to know

1a1b) to perceive

1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern

1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish

1a1e) to know by experience

1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess

1a1g) to consider

1a2) to know, be acquainted with

1a3) to know (a person carnally)

1a4) to know how, be skilful in

1a5) to have knowledge, be wise

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed

1b2) to make oneself known

1b3) to be perceived

1b4) to be instructed

1c) (Piel) to cause to know

1d) (Poal) to cause to know

1e) (Pual)

1e1) to be known

1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle)

1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare

1g) (Hophal) to be made known

1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself

  • Genesis 3:5 For God doth know <03045> that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing <03045> good and evil.
  • Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew <03045> that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. {aprons: or, things to gird about}
  • Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know <03045> good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew <03045> Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. {Cain: that is, Gotten, or, Acquired}
  • Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know <03045> not: Am I my brother’s keeper?
  • Genesis 4:17 And Cain knew <03045> his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. {Enoch: Heb. Chanoch}
  • Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew <03045> his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. {Seth: Heb. Sheth: that is Appointed, or, Put}
  • Genesis 8:11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew <03045> that the waters were abated from off the earth.
  • Genesis 9:24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew <03045> what his younger son had done unto him.
  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know <03045> that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • Genesis 15:8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know <03045> that I shall inherit it?
  • Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know <03045> of a surety <03045> that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
  • Genesis 18:19 For I know <03045> him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know <03045>.
  • Genesis 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know <03045> them.
  • Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known <03045> man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
  • Genesis 19:33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived <03045> not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
  • Genesis 19:35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived <03045> not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
  • Genesis 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know <03045> that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. 

05234 rkn nakar naw-kar’

a primitive root; TWOT-1368; v

AV-know 16, acknowledge 7, discern 6, respect 4, knowledge 2, known 2, feign to another 2, misc 11; 50

1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard

1a) (Niphal) to be recognised

1b) (Piel) to regard

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice

1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive

1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour

1c4) to be acquainted with

1c5) to distinguish, understand

1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known

2) to act or treat as foreign or strange, disguise, misconstrue

2a) (Niphal) to disguise oneself

2b) (Piel)

2b1) to treat as foreign (profane)

2b2) to misconstrue

2c) (Hithpael)

2c1) to act as alien

2c2) to disguise oneself

  • Genesis 27:23 And he discerned <05234> him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him.
  • Genesis 31:32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern <05234> thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
  • Genesis 37:32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know <05234> now whether it be thy son’s coat or no.
  • Genesis 37:33 And he knew it <05234>, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
  • Genesis 38:25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern <05234>, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff.
  • Genesis 38:26 And Judah acknowledged <05234> them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
  • Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew <05234> them, but made himself strange <05234> unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. {roughly…: Heb. hard things with them}
  • Genesis 42:8 And Joseph knew <05234> his brethren, but they knew <05234> not him.
  • Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect <05234> persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. {respect…: Heb. acknowledge faces}
  • Deuteronomy 16:19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect <05234> persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. {words: or, matters}
  • Deuteronomy 21:17 But he shall acknowledge <05234> the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. {that…: Heb. that is found with him}
  • Deuteronomy 32:27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely <05234>, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this. {Our…: or, Our high hand, and not the LORD hath done}
  • Deuteronomy 33:9 Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge <05234> his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.
  • Judges 18:3 When they were by the house of Micah, they knew <05234> the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this place? and what hast thou here?
  • Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge <05234> of me, seeing I am a stranger? 

07200 har ra’ah raw-aw’

a primitive root; TWOT-2095; v

AV-see 879, look 104, behold 83, shew 68, appear 66, consider 22, seer 12, spy 6, respect 5, perceive 5, provide 4, regard 4, enjoy 4, lo 3, foreseeth 2, heed 2, misc 74; 1313

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out

1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish

1a6) to look at, gaze at

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to appear, present oneself

1b2) to be seen

1b3) to be visible

1c) (Pual) to be seen

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to see, show

1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be caused to see, be shown

1e2) to be exhibited to

1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face

  • Genesis 1:4 And God saw <07200> the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. {the light from…: Heb. between the light and between the darkness}
  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear <07200>: and it was so.
  • Genesis 1:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw <07200> that it was good.
  • Genesis 1:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw <07200> that it was good.
  • Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw <07200> that it was good.
  • Genesis 1:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw <07200> that it was good.
  • Genesis 1:25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw <07200> that it was good.
  • Genesis 1:31 And God saw <07200> every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. {And the evening…: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.}
  • Genesis 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see <07200> what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. {Adam: or, the man}
  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw <07200> that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. {pleasant: Heb. a desire}
  • Genesis 6:2 That the sons of God saw <07200> the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw <07200> that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. {every…: or, the whole imagination: the Hebrew word signifieth not only the imagination, but also the purposes and desires} {continually: Heb. every day}
  • Genesis 6:12 And God looked <07200> upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
  • Genesis 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen <07200> righteous before me in this generation.
  • Genesis 8:5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen <07200>. {decreased…: Heb. were in going and decreasing}
  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see <07200> if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked <07200>, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Genesis 9:14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen <07200> in the cloud:
  • Genesis 9:16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it <07200>, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
  • Genesis 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw <07200> the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
  • Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw <07200> not their father’s nakedness.
  • Genesis 11:5 And the LORD came down to see <07200> the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
  • Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew <07200> thee:
  • Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared <07200> unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared <07200> unto him.

08085 emv shama‘ shaw-mah’

a primitive root; TWOT-2412, 2412a

AV-hear 785, hearken 196, obey 81, publish 17, understand 9, obedient 8, diligently 8, shew 6, sound 3, declare 3, discern 2, noise 2, perceive 2, tell 2, reported 2, misc 33; 1159 v

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to

1a5) to understand (language)

1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)

1a7) to listen, give heed

1a7a) to consent, agree

1a7b) to grant request

1a8) to listen to, yield to

1a9) to obey, be obedient

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)

1b2) to be heard of

1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed

1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound

1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)

1d3) to make proclamation, summon

1d4) to cause to be heard

n m 2) sound

  • Genesis 3:8 And they heard <08085> the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. {cool: Heb. wind}
  • Genesis 3:10 And he said, I heard <08085> thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
  • Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened <08085> unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear <08085> my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. {I have…: or, I would slay a man in my wound, etc.} {to my hurt: or, in my hurt}
  • Genesis 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand <08085> one another’s speech.
  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard <08085> that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. {armed: or, led forth} {trained: or, instructed}
  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened <08085> to the voice of Sarai. {obtain…: Heb. be built by her}
  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard <08085> thy affliction. {Ishmael: that is, God shall hear}
  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee <08085>: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Genesis 18:10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard <08085> it in the tent door, which was behind him.
  • Genesis 21:6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear <08085> will laugh with me.
  • Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken <08085> unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

350 anakrinw anakrino an-ak-ree’-no

from 303 and 2919; TDNT-3:943,469; v

AV-examine 6, judge 6, ask question 2, search 1, discern 1; 16

1) examine or judge

1a) to investigate, examine, enquire into, scrutinise, sift, question

1a1) specifically in a forensic sense of a judge to hold an investigation

1a2) to interrogate, examine the accused or witnesses

1b) to judge of, estimate, determine (the excellence or defects of any person or thing

  • Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined <350> him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
  • Acts 4:9 If we this day be examined <350> of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
  • Acts 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined <350> the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
  • Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched <350> the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
  • Acts 24:8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining <350> of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
  • Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined <350> me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned <350>.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth <350> all things, yet he himself is judged <350> of no man. {judgeth: or, discerneth} {judged: or, discerned}
  • 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged <350> of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge <350> not mine own self. {judgment: Gr. day}
  • 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth <350> me is the Lord. {know: or, I am not conscious of any fault}
  • 1 Corinthians 9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine <350> me is this,
  • 1 Corinthians 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking <350> no question <350> for conscience sake:
  • 1 Corinthians 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking <350> no question <350> for conscience sake.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged <350> of all:

1252 diakrinw diakrino dee-ak-ree’-no

from 1223 and 2919; TDNT-3:946,469; v

AV-doubt 5, judge 3, discern 2, contend 2, waver 2, misc 5; 19

1) to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer

2) to learn by discrimination, to try, decide

2a) to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute

3) to withdraw from one, desert

4) to separate one’s self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend

5) to be at variance with one’s self, hesitate, doubt

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern <1252> the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt <1252> not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
  • Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall <1252> not doubt <1252> in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
  • Acts 10:20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting <1252> nothing: for I have sent them.
  • Acts 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended <1252> with him,
  • Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting <1252>. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
  • Acts 15:9 And put <1252> no difference <1252> between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
  • Romans 4:20 He staggered <1252> not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
  • Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth <1252> is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. {doubteth: or, discerneth and putteth a difference between meats} {damned: or, condemned, or liable to punishment}
  • 1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh <1252> thee to differ <1252> from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? {maketh…: Gr. distinguisheth thee}
  • 1 Corinthians 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge <1252> between his brethren?
  • 1 Corinthians 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning <1252> the Lord’s body. {damnation: or, judgment}
  • 1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge <1252> ourselves, we should not be judged.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let <1252> the other judge <1252>.
  • James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering <1252>. For he that wavereth <1252> is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
  • James 2:4 Are ye <1252> not then partial <1252> in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
  • Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending <1252> with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
  • Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference <1252>:

1253 diakrisiv diakrisis dee-ak’-ree-sis

from 1252; TDNT-3:949,469; n f

AV-discerning 1, discern 1, disputation 1; 3

1) a distinguishing, discerning, judging

  • Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations <1253>. {not…: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts}
  • 1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning <1253> of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
  • Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern <1253> both good and evil. {of full age: or, perfect} {use: or, an habit, or, perfection}

1381 dokimazw dokimazo dok-im-ad’-zo

from 1384; TDNT-2:255,181; v

AV-prove 10, try 4, approve 3, discern 2, allow 2, like 1, examine 1; 23

1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals

2) to recognise as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy

  • Luke 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern <1381> the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern <1381> this time?
  • Luke 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove <1381> them: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Romans 1:28 And even as they did <1381> not like <1381> to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; {to retain: or, to acknowledge} {a reprobate…: or, a mind void of judgment or, an unapproving mind}
  • Romans 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest <1381> the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; {approvest…: or, triest the things that differ}
  • Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove <1381> what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  • Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth <1381>.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try <1381> every man’s work of what sort it is. {it shall be: Gr. it is}
  • 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let <1381> a man examine <1381> himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve <1381> by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. {liberality: Gr. gift}
  • 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove <1381> the sincerity of your love.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have <1381> oftentimes proved <1381> diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. {I have: or, he hath}
  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove <1381> your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
  • Galatians 6:4 But let <1381> every man prove <1381> his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
  • Ephesians 5:10 Proving <1381> what is acceptable unto the Lord.
  • Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve <1381> things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; {approve: or, try} {are…: or, differ}
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed <1381> of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth <1381> our hearts.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove <1381> all things; hold fast that which is good.
  • 1 Timothy 3:10 And let <1381> these also first be proved <1381>; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
  • Hebrews 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved <1381> me, and saw my works forty years.
  • 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried <1381> with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
  • 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try <1381> the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2924 kritikov kritikos krit-ee-kos’

from 2923; TDNT-3:943,469; adj

AV-discerner 1; 1

1) relating to judging, fit for judging, skilled in judging

  • Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner <2924> of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hymns and Choruses Related to Discernment

  • Open My Eyes, That I May See (Clara H. Scott, 1841-1897)
  • Cleanse Me (J. Edwin Orr, 1912-)
  • It Is Well with My Soul (Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888)
  • All Things Work Out for Good (John W. Peterson, 1921-)
  • God Leads Us Along (G.A. Young, 19th century
  • Have I Done My Best for Jesus? (Ensign Edwin Young, 1895-)

 

Enthusiasm is Contagious

Whatever dads get excited about, the children get excited about too. If a father is enthusiastic about football then his sons will develop a love for the sport. But if the father can be enthusiastic about spending time together as a family and about sharing times together in God’s Word, then his enthusiasm will reap eternal results.

Quotations Related to Enthusiasm

  • Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • Never, never, never give up! — Winston Churchill
  • Enthusiasm is faith set on fire.  George Adams
  • It takes 72 muscles to frown – only 14 to smile!
  • Triumph is just umph added to try.
  • When I was a young man I observed that nine out of ten things I did were failures. I didn’t want to be a failure, so I did ten times more work. — George Bernard Shaw

 

Two Frogs In Cream

Two frogs fell into a can of cream,
Or so I’ve’ heard it told:
The sides of the can were shiny and steep,
The cream was deep and cold.
“O, what’s the use?” croaked Number 1,
“Tis fate; no help’s around.
Good-bye, my friends. Good-bye, sad world”
And weeping still, he drowned.
But Number 2, of sterner stuff,
Dog-paddled in surprise.
The while he wiped his creamy face
And dried his creamy eyes.
“I’ll swim awhile, at least,” he said –
Or so I’ve heard he said:
“It really wouldn’t help the world
If one more frog were dead.”
An hour or two he kicked and swam,
Not once he stopped to mutter;
But kicked and kicked and swam and kicked.
Then hopped out, via butter

-Unknown

The Lighted Face of Judson

Many years ago when the great missionary Adoniram Judson was home on furlough, he passed through the city of Stonington, Connecticut. A young boy playing about the wharves at the time of Judson’s arrival was struck by the man’s appearance. Never before had he seen such a light on any human face. He ran up the street to a minister to ask if he knew who the stranger was. The minister hurried back with him, but became so absorbed in conversation with Judson that he forgot all about the impatient youngster standing near him. Many years afterward that boy – who could never get away from the influence of that wonderful face – became the famous preacher Henry Clay Trumbull. In a book of memoirs he penned a chapter entitled: What a Boy Saw in the Face of Adoniram Judson. That lighted countenance had changed his life. Even as flowers thrive when they bend to the light, so shining, radiant faces come to those who constantly turn toward Christ.

Encyclopaedia of 7,700 Illustrations

The Enthusiasm of the Humpback Whale

Contrary to its name, the humpback whale has no hump on its back. Its sleek body enable it to swim swiftly through the ocean as it makes its annual trek across 4,000 miles of open sea, playfully enjoying itself along the way.

Breeching on Enthusiasm

Various kinds of whales demonstrate playful behaviors, but the consistent enthusiasm of the humpback is notable among them.

Splashing, diving, slapping, fluking, and leaping twenty or more feet into the air are among the humpback’s frequent sports. An energetic humpback may lift its entire 50-foot long, 40-ton body from the water, hanging motionlessly suspended in midair for a moment before crashing gloriously into the sea in what is called breaching.

It is unknown exactly why the whale engages in these amazing leaps. Some scientists believe that humpbacks surge out of the waters in an attempt to dislodge parasites. Others have proposed that it is something like a yawn—a great gasp of air.

Without any way of confirming these or other speculations, many researchers refer to the humpback’s energetic leap with the highly scientific designation joie de vivre (French for “joy in life”).

Sharing Enthusiasm

Humpback whales sing the longest song in the animal world. Somewhat like the repeated songs of many birds, the humpback sings a theme of chirps, moans, cries, snores, yups, and oooos, anywhere from 6-20 minutes long. This theme is repeated over and over for hours, reverberating a hundred miles or more through the sea.

Although still shrouded with mystery, the meaning of the whale’s song must be some sort of community-shared expression. Whales living with in the same oceanic region sing the same song amongst themselves.

Throughout a single season prior to migrating, the whales’ song will vary slightly. Each whale within the region picks up on the variations and incorporates them into its song. When the whales return after migration, they pick up the song where they last left off.

Exactly how the humpbacks produce the sounds is not fully understood. They have no vocal cords, yet the sounds they produce cover a wider frequency range than that of any other whale.

Researchers have observed that humpbacks in different oceans or different regions of large oceans sing different songs.

ENTHUSIASM – A One-Minute Announcement

I once knew a woman who had the ability and desire to express joy in every task she was ever given. Her enthusiasm for life and living it to the fullest was so refreshing and quite contagious. Once you caught her enthusiasm, it was difficult not to look at things differently… with a new and fresh outlook. Her smile and love for life was so overflowing that you found that you too were then spreading this enthusiasm to all the other people that you had the opportunity to be with. This enthusiasm was contagious.

The First Ladies of our Nation have known the value of enthusiasm. Martha Washington, was quoted as saying, “The greatest part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions, and not our circumstances.”

And Abigail Adams said, “True greatness has its seat in the heart… it must be elevated by aspiring to great things and by daring to think yourself capable of them.”

I am confident that the joy you’ll feel when the day is over will be quite rewarding. You will have done everything to your very best ability and with enthusiasm… and this enthusiasm is contagious

The Faith Committee of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Reproduction and Adaptation is encouraged.

Three Types of People

As we rejoice in the Lord and seek not to quench the Spirit we will be enthusiastic. What exactly does it mean to be enthusiastic? There are three types of people in the world, energy-givers, energy-wasters, and energy-takers. God not only loves cheerful “givers” of our finances but also our energy.

Energy-Giver

  • Helps others
  • Says kind words
  • Smiles
  • Shares with others
  • Stands for what is right
  • Tells the truth, even when difficult

Energy-Waster

  • Helps if convenient
  • Says nothing
  • Does not smile
  • Keeps things for self
  • Stands for nothing
  • Tells the truth most of the time

Energy-Taker

  • Helps self
  • Says unkind words
  • Frowns
  • Takes from others
  • Stands for wrong
  • Lies when it is convenient

Enthusiasm is being an “Energy-Giver” in every area of life.

The Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Enthusiasm has special meaning for the Christian

Enthusiasm is a word derived from the Greek, meaning “to have God inside”. Because God is a God of power and energy, the term is often associated with fervor and zeal.

Enthusiasm has special meaning for the Christian. When a person enters into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and thereby becomes a Christian, God the Holy Spirit (and Spirit of Jesus Christ) immediately comes to indwell (take up residence in) that person’s heart (1 Corinthians 3:16). With God comes all of His characteristics of infinite love, power, knowledge, truth, holiness, etc. But the Holy Spirit of God desires not merely to “dwell” in my house, but also wants to become “head of the household” – to be in control of my “rooms” – my thoughts, words, actions, motives, hobbies, work, etc. For then He can release His power, joy, knowledge, etc. unbridled in me and through me, which will result in bountiful love and blessing for Him, me and others. Thus He commands me to be “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), to turn over to Him control of every “room and closet of my house”, to let Him fill every facet of my “house” as “head of the household”. With the power of the Holy Spirit controlling my life, I will then be able to exhibit the character quality of Enthusiasm with His great, divine energy.

Being continuously filled with the Holy Spirit is a simple process:

(1) I must desire to be filled – to turn control over to Christ. He will not force it. (John 7:37-39)

(2) I confess my sins and repent. (See steps above)

(3) I yield myself totally to Him as the Lord (managing director) of my life. (Romans 12:1`)

(4) I receive the filling of the Holy Spirit by faith. (Ephesians 5:18, 1 John 5:14-15)

(5) I thank Him and believe on the basis of His Word that he now controls me. (Hebrews 11:6, Romans 1:17)

If I stumble or become aware of an area I have not turned over to Him as Lord, I “breathe spiritually”, exhaling [step (2)] and inhaling [steps (3) – (5)]. Will you join me?

The Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Enthusiasm in the Community

As Christians we are saying, “Lord, teach us character.” It is saying we have decided and are determined to make a difference in our community and in our world. Developing character will conform us into the image of Christ. Character will cause those around us to ask of “the hope” within us. Character will provoke love and good works.

The Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky