No question about the unacceptability of prejudice and discrimination.  Rely on God to show you what is best for you.  Ask him for wisdom, and trust that he will give it to you.  Then your decisions will be sure and solid.

(James 1:8-9)
"You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom, which is found in the scripture, 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'  But if you treat people according to their outward appearance, you are guilty of sin, and the Law condemns you as a lawbreaker."

This next scripture is either wrong and therefore the Bible has error, or we are wrong when we judge people who are not the same as us.  The Good News of Christ is for everyone!  We should not allow any barrier, language, culture, prejudice, geography, economic level, or education level to keep us from loving them.

(Acts 10:34-35)
Peter began to speak; "I now realized that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis.  Whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him no matter what race he belongs to."

How can you better relate to people around you?

Revenge is obviously not allowed.  isn't that a kicker.  What will we able to do to that person who hurts us?

A vengeful heart, indicates that you have not submitted and turned over your life.  And this attitude will not let you, take these actions.  You must remove this attitude from yourself and change it to a forgiving attitude.

The base of the vengeful attitude is that you own and control something.  Someone has hurt that ownership and control.  It then becomes necessary to correct that danger to your control and ownership.

Turning this control and ownership over to God your Father, releases your responsibility for this area.  Instead your responsibility becomes; to do the best you can within the guidance your Father in Heaven provides you.  And he does not ask you to take vengeful actions.  These actions are his alone, to take.  Jesus suggested a new, radical response to injustice; instead of demanding rights, give them up freely!  According to Jesus, it is more important to give justice and mercy than to receive it.

(Matthew 5:39)
"But now I tell you; do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you.  If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek to."

This is certainly part of the answer.  By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good.  If you love your enemies and treat them well.  You will truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life.

(Matthew 5:44-45)
"But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven.  For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil."

This is another part of the answer.  Jesus talked about an act of the will, conscious efforts, acting in their best interests for those you love.

(Luke 6:27-28)
"But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who mistreat you."

Love and prayer are another part of the answer, along with forgiveness.  When we don't forgive othhers, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness.

(Matthew 6:14-15)
"If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done."

Hey Wait!  What about my rights - What rights did Christ have when he was in this world?

This IS radical, it may even help to do away with being hurt in the first place.  Crime sure would take a nose dive with this action.  Only God can give us the strength to love, so pray for it.

(Matthew 5:42)
"When someone asks you for something give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him."

You mean that when I do good, I can't take credit for it?  You are quite right.  Credit now, No Credit from our Father in Heaven.  This also works when we give credit.  We are then taking away any credit they will receive from God.  That surly is not being nice.  To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds; quietly or in secret, with no thought of reward.

(Matthew 6:3-4)
But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it.  Then it will be a private matter, and your Father, who sees what you do in private, and will reward you."

How can you better help your neighbor?

I guess that this certainly tells us where Happiness is.  "Blessed" means more than happiness.  It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God's kingdom.

(Matthew 5:3-12 (Robert Schuller))
"Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! (I need help-I can't do it alone).  "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! (I'm really hurting - But I'm going to bounce back.)
"Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully! (I really want to do the right thing).
"Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! (I'm going to treat others the way I want others to treat me.)
"Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!  (I've got to let the faith flow free through me.)
"Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them His children!  (I'm going to be a bridge builder.)
"Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them! (I can choose to be happy - Anyway).
"Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers.  Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven.  This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted."  (I'm going to remain cool, calm, and corrected.)

How will you improve your true happiness?

We are also called to self-denial and the other Christian qualities, on the job.  Jesus calls us to right living.

(Luke 3:10-14)
The people asked him, "What are we to do, then?"
He answered, "Whoever has two shirts MUST give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food MUST share it."
Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what are we to do?"
Don't collect more than is legal," he told them.
Some soldiers also asked him, "What about us?  What are we to do?
He said to them, "Don't take money from anyone by force or accuse anyone falsely.  Be content with your pay."

What changes can you make in sharing what you have, doing your work honestly and well, and be content?

This summarizes the laws above; because if we love one another with the love God expects, we could and would not do the wrong that the law states.  True love only breeds good.  Jesus says that our Christlike love will show we are his disciples.

(John 13:34-35)
"And now I give you a new commandment: love one another.  As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another.  If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples."

Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your life/love for one another?

Love leads to forgiveness.

(Matthew 6:14)
"If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others, than your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done."

Forgiveness leads to kindness.

(Matthew 6:14)
"It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices."

What kindness can you provide to others?

Kindness includes helping.  How much we love God can be measured by how well we treat others.

(Matthew 10:42)
"You can be sure that who ever gives even a drink of cold water to one of the least of these my followers because he is my follower will certainly receive a reward."

How can you best represent to your neighbors Jesus love for them?

If we don't do it this way, we will reap what we sow.

(Matthew 12:25)
"And any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart."

What can you do to "salt" your relationships with peace this week?

The proper way leads to peace.  When we lose the desire to "salt" the earth with the love and message of God, we become useless to him.

(Mark 9:50)
"Have the salt of friendship among yourselves, and live in peace with one another."

What real difference does Jesus' power make in your daily speech with others?

Jesus said, "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the lord of the harvest therefore to send out workers into harvest field." (matt. 9:37-38).  This is one of the many messages that help us understand that we are partners with God in his work of caring for our world.  We plant, tend, and harvest crops, but God causes the miracles of growth.  We can care for others, but God produces the growth, the healing, the cure in people's lives.  It is tempting at times to forget God's responsibility in this process.  Let us grow in appreciation of God's way of using us in his process.

Let us do it, now.  And then we can move on to the next section.  Delaying to do good is inconsiderate and unfair.  With-holding destroys trust.

(Proverbs 3:27-30)
"Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.  Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help him now.  Don't plan anything that will hurt your neighbor; he lives inside you, trusting you.  Don't argue with someone for no reason when he has never done you any harm."

What can you do, to provide peace in your personal community?

Does someone close to you need encouragement today?  He or she may be sitting at the breakfast table with you.  Or maybe it's a friend who needs prayer support in a trial or an encouraging word along the way.  Take a few minutes today to speak a word or write a note of encouragement.  Let your friend know you care.

Now you can move on by looking into, how your body fits into the program.

Our Bodies

Our bodies are to be treated with reverence, because the Spirit lives in each one of us (once we have turned over our life to God and opened our hearts to His Spirit) and each one of us has an eternal destiny.  This includes many aspects of our use and care of the body including drugs, alcohol, lack of care and anything that does not honor the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Since our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit they are not our own to do with them what we like, they belong to Christ whose servants we are (Romans 6:12-20).  So then how can we condone Abortion, the killing of a creation of God within the body of a women.  God does not give life and a soul to his creation at the time of physical birth.  He gives it, at time of conception.  Because your body belongs to God, you must not violate His standards for living.  Christ's death obligates us to his service.

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God?  You do not belong to yourselves but to God; He bought you for a price.  So use your bodies for God's glory."

How can you begin a "temple maintenance program" to help you?

Earthly nature provides for: Guy's playing at love to get sex and women playing at sex to get love.  This should not be the case with Christians?  headaches and Football games do not let us off the hook.  And I don't think this was meant just for the world of sex.  It also means taking out the garbage when we are asked and running to the library when your favorite soap opera may be on.  Sexual temptations are difficult to withstand because they appeal to the normal and natural desires that God has given us.  Married couples have the responsibility to care for each other.

(1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
"A man should fulfill his duty as a husband, and a woman should fulfill her duty as a wife, and each should satisfy the other's needs.  A wife is not the master of her own body, but her husband is; in the same way a husband is not the master of his own body, but his wife is.  Do not deny yourselves to each other, unless you first agree to do so for a while in order to spend your time in prayer; but then resume normal marital relations.  In this way you will be kept from giving in to Satan's temptation because of your lack of self-control.

What will be your program to improve your body, so that it will be a proper temple for your God to create life?

As God created her, the woman has a desire and a need equal to the man for the sex relationship.  In line with her feminine nature, however, she is more dependent upon environmental factors than is the man.  She is dependent upon a total "involvement" - a consideration apart from the sexual consideration - for her appreciation of sexual intercourse.  She has a need for a continuation in the marital setting of the romantic environment.  More inclined by nature than the man to view sex in terms of the whole relationship - of the whole of life - she is more inclined to give her whole self - her devotion - her giving herself away.  Her self-giving in the sex act is in harmony with her submission to her husband, that is, with her devotion to the marriage.

The man on the other hand is inclined to bring into the sex act only a part of himself.  The man is divided between his family and his vocational life.

Our bodies should not be joining others, outside of marriage, in ways reserved for marriage.

Have you developed a plan to improve your bodies sexual relationship, in the light of God's plan?  If not, why not?

make it a habit to insert your specific needs into the question: "Is this day in my life too hard for the Lord?"  "Is this habit I'm trying to break too hard for him?"

(Genesis 18:14) "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

What is your plan to deal with temptations concerning the use of your body?

We'd all like to have the courage to start over.  Yet the aging process, coupled with disappointment, can taint our enthusiasm for life.

It's good to realize our limitations, but we can't let them overwhelm us.  Has someone convinced you that you're too young or too old to make the new start you'd like to embark on?  if your Lord is in control of your life; and he has provided a favorable circumstance, you can do it!  Ask Him right now for the guidance and grace you need to follow through on His plan.  As you tap into HIS strength, and plan anything is possible.

We were being told by highly touted authorities that there was nothing wrong with the unmarried living as married.  Indeed, it was even beneficial.  It would help people not getting into a marriage that would finally fail.  Christianity  said living together under those conditions was bad preparation for marriage.  Now a secular report is being published that supports this stand.

In a Chicago Tribune article titled "Trial Marriage is Often A Ticket to Splitsville," (June 9th, 1989) we are told "Researchers who expected the widespread practice of 'trial marriage' to usher in an era of increased marital stability have been surprised by new studies showing that those Americans who lived together before marriage are separating and divorcing in significantly greater numbers than couples who went directly to the altar'."

Maybe God has some Good ideas about our life and bodies.

(Proverbs 5:1-6)
"Son , pay attention and listen to my wisdom and insight.  Then you will know how to behave properly, and your words will show that you have knowledge.  The lips of another man's wife may be sweet as honey and her kisses as smooth as olive oil, but when it is all over, she leaves you nothing but bitterness and pain.  She will take you down to the world of the dead; the road she walks is the road to death.  She does not stay on the road to life; but wanders off, and does not realize what is happening."

Our Relationship to Government.

Our God endorses lawful obedience to the government, but sets a limit of obedience beyond which the Child of God's conscience must refuse to go.  The government must never assume the authority of God (mark 12;14-17).  Wherever we find ourselves, we must be responsible citizens, as well as responsible Christians.

(Romans 13:1-7)
"Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God.  Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgement on himself.  For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil.  Would you like to be unafraid of the man in authority.  Then do what is good, and he will praise you, because he is God's servant working for your good.  But if you do evil, then be afraid of him, because his power to punish is real.  He is God's servant and carries out God's punishment on those who do evil.  For this reason you must obey the authorities - not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

"That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties.  Pay, them, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all."

Is it proper to participate in "non-violent" anti-... demonstrations that do not affect your direct personal obedience to a law contrary to your relationship to your God.

In addition to obedience, we owe honor and respect.

(1 Clement 10:7)
"Let us honor those who are set over us; let us respect the aged that are among us; and let us instruct the younger men,  in the discipline and fear of  the Lord."

How can  you improve your relationship to local, state, and national government?

We must be subject to where we are placed in God's Plan.

(1 Clement 17:33)
"let therefore our whole body be saved in Christ Jesus; and let every one be subject to his neighbor, according to the order in which he is placed by the gift of God."

"Some nations place the sovereignty of their land in the hands of a single ruler (monarchy), some in the hands of a small number of rulers (oligarchy), and some in the hands of the people (democracy).  Moses our Teacher taught us to place our faith in none of these forms of government.  He taught us to  obey the rule of God, for to God alone did he accord kingship and power.  He commanded the people always to raise their eyes to God, for He is the source of all good for mankind in general and for each person in particular and in Him will people find help when they pray to Him in their time of suffering for no act is hidden from His understanding and no hidden thought of man's heart is hidden from Him" (Josephus Flavius, Contra Apion, Volume One).

How will you improve your honor and respect to government?

God's holiness is the standard for nations as well as for individuals - but a nation's morality can rise no higher than the moral convictions of its leaders.

We know from Scripture that it's appropriate to pray for our leaders - and also to let our biblical convictions be known in the debate over public morality.  If there's an issue of importance that you're especially burdened about, let your views be known to "the powers that be."  Today write a letter or make a call to an appropriate government official, upholding God's standards in public life.  He will honor your witness and will reinforce your relationship through it.

Our Father, Our Friend
Benjamin Franklin

"And have we now forgotten  that powerful Friend?  Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?  I have lived a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth; that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"

How will you be subject to where God placed you in His Plan?

Our Children of Earth

As parents, we recognize that God uses us as extensions of himself to help our children become good. (Christ-like).  The cannot become good by themselves, but with our guidance and love and knowledge, they too can grow in God's goodness.

Incidentally, how will you improve your relationship with your parents if they are still alive?

"The four errors we have examined results from failure to act on four basic principles for raising good children.

1. "Children, particularly early in the development of their moral thinking and behavior, need parents who act as God the Father does; that is, parents who set rules and maintain limits for their children.

2. "If children are to develop morally, they need parents who care for them as God the Father cares for us, expressing their caring in warmth and affection toward their children.

3. "If children are to become good, they need parents who are themselves open to God's gift of goodness, parents who themselves are growing in goodness.

4. "If children are to develop morally, they need parents who understand the normal progression of moral development, so they can help their children in the proper manner and at the proper time." (Richard Krebe-How to Bring up a Good Child).

If our faith in Christ is real, it will usually prove itself at home, in our relationships with those who know us best.  Children and parents have a responsibility to each other.

(Ephesians 6:1-4)
"Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do.  'Respect your father and mother' is the first commandment that has a promise added; 'so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.'

"Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry.  Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction."

How will you improve your relationship to your children if any?

One of the best ways to start down that path, is to turn the control of the future for your child, to God; and retain control of the present.  This is best done, as part of a release to God, of "ownership" to this child.  When you commit your child to God, like God committed you to His son Christ; you will find that you have a new sense of dealing with today in their lives, and not being concerned with the future.  You will then be able to concentrate on preparing them for whatever and wherever God will direct them.

How will you reflect your release of "Ownership" to your children?

"If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness" (Proverbs).

We must prepare our Kids with roots that will allow them to bend under pressure without breaking.  These roots should be deep into God's: Plan and Word.  They should also learn from us the joy that obedience to God's law and plan brings.  This will allow them to fly through their life with the joy of a Child of God.

What is your plan to improve your children's (if any) roots?

One of the greatest responsibilities of parents is to encourage their children to become wise.

(Proverbs 4:1-4)
Sons, listen to what your father teaches you.  Pay attention and you will have understanding.  What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all.  When I was only a little boy, my parents' only son, my father would teach me.  he would say 'Remember what I say and never forget it.  Do as I tell you, and you will live.'"

How can you learn from your parents?

The Tongue

No matter how spiritual we may think we are, we all could control our speech more effectively.

(James 1:26-27)
"Does anyone think he is religious?  If he does not acontrol his tongue, his religion is worthless and he decives himself.  What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world."

Your plan for controlling complaining is what?

I can't even complain or feel sorry for myself, this won't be easy.  You've got the point.

(Wisdom 1:10-11)
"God will tolerate no challenge, and since he hears everything, you cannot hide your complaining from him.  So be sure that you do not go around complaining, it does no good - and don't engage in bitter talk."

How will you reduce or eliminate gossip and useless talk?

Useless talk and gossip is something we are accountable for.  Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts.  You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives.

(Matthew 12:36-37)
"You can be sure that on the Judgment Day everyone will have to give account of every useless word that has ever been spoken.  Your words will be used to judge you-to declare you either innocent or guilty.

By hating another person you may become a liar or a fool.

(Proverbs 10:18-21)
"A man who hides his hatred is a liar.  Anyone who spreads gossip is a fool.
The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin.  If you are wise you will keep quiet.
A good man's words are like pure silver; a wicked man's ideas are worthless.
A good  man's words will benefit many people, but you can kill yourself with stupidity."

How will you improve the kindness of your words?

Our words should be spoken in kindness.

(Proverbs 10:32)
"Righteous people know the kind things to say, but the wicked are always saying things that hurt."

(Proverbs 17:1)
"Better a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife."

Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper?  Choose gentle words.

(Proverbs 15:1)
"A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger"

What is your plan for improving your patience and forgiveness?

Proverbs also points out that patience and forgiveness are the marks of a wise man:

(19:11) "Good sense makes a man slow to anger and it is his glory to overlook an offense."

Your Vocation

(Eph. 6:7-8)
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not mean because you know that the Lord will reward everyone."

No matter how glowing your aspirations may be once you secure a position it becomes just another job.  Perhaps you are locked into a certain salary level or position or find that you're working for an impossible boss.  Perhaps the organization you work for has disappointed you.

There's no end to the list of reasons for viewing your work through less-than-rose-colored glasses.  And there's no end of comfort and advice in this passage from Ephesians.  What could be worse than being a slave bought and sold on the auction block?  What could be worse than having to do whatever the master of the house ordered, no matter what he asked or how cruel he was.

In that kind of setting, honoring the master was probably the furthest thing from the average slave's mind.  While the institution of slavery is no longer a part of our culture, we still have bosses - whether they're called president, supervisor, manager or team leader.  Regardless we're told to honor God with our work.

How can this be done?  Paul gave us some excellent "attitude advice" in this Bible reading.  We need to work obediently and honestly, as if the Lord Himself over us at work as we would obey the Lord-that is, "with sincerity" and "wholeheartedly."  It's both dishonest and hypocritical to work only when the boss is watching.  As servants of Christ, we must always seek to please the Lord with our efforts (v.7).  No such service is overlooked.  Diligent work will gain the Lord's recognition and reward (v.8).

But what about those who are the president, supervisor, manager, parent, or team leader?  Paul calls on these individuals to act "in the same way" - to manage as if doing so for the Lord.  This means having the same attitude of desiring to serve Him and to treat workers fairly.  After all, the Lord will judge both workers and managers by the same standard.

Just putting in a full day's work sets you apart these days.

Giving your employer an honest day's work is certainly a good place to start; but if in deed we are "serving the Lord, not men" there ought to be more to it.  Think about your job for a few minutes.  is it apparent to your fellow employees that you're working for something other than a paycheck?  if your witness at work needs bolstering, begin by doing more than is expected, by offering to go the second mile.

Make your service for Christ as wholehearted on Monday morning as it is on Sunday morning.