Dianne Marben

4 hrs

Good morning. Jesus is our provider. (Illustrated Words - Mar 6)
"Why did people constantly surround Jesus? He knew why. People wanted to be close to Him for what they could get from Him... not for what they could learn from Him. He came to teach, inspire, and encourage people to turn to God. The people got caught up in the miracles He performed, of healing and feeding and raising dead people back to life. That's what they wanted. They wanted the miraculous instead of the constant love, and they didn't want to hear what He taught. Hmm, it's easy to criticize these people. Why do you want to be close to Jesus? What do you want from Him? (See John 6:26). "Do you want a close, personal relationship with Jesus? ... The relationship, filled with His love and care, is more wonderful than any of the 'extras.'"

1 d

Good morning. You have an amazing desire to let God lead you. (Illustrated Words - Mar 5)
"Fear is paralyzing to faith. It's impossible for fear and faith to occupy the same heart. Jesus says, 'No problem... just believe. Just trust.' It's easy to say but not always easy to do. If fear is something you struggle with, you may need to learn to trust with baby steps of believing. But remember that Jesus spoke these words to a father who had just been told that his daughter was dead. Imagine hearing Jesus say don't be afraid when someone you dearly love has just died. But the father did trust Jesus and his trust was rewarded. There's no situation Jesus can't handle... none. (See Mark 5:36).

2 d

Good morning. Love is a verb, and I love you. (Illustrated Words - Mar 4)
"Love one another. It should be simple, but it isn't always. Jesus says to love. Just love. But things, stuff, people, [and one]self get in the way of that love. What's your particular roadblock to loving others? Sadly, more often than not, the problem with loving others is yourself. It's easy to become self-focused and locked in on how every situation, every relationship, every 'thing' affects you. Real love for others means putting the self aside and sacrificially loving others by being concerned for their well-being and growth. We do this by giving time, energy, and help to others. Love as Jesus loves." (See John 13:34). "God sends no one away empty, except those who are full of themselves." ~Dwight L. Moody

3 d

Good morning. I don't like swearing. It's unnecessary. (Illustrated Words - Mar 3)
"Perhaps you have been the recipient of a spate of ugly words spewed at you from a friend. Or maybe you have witnessed some unkind behavior toward another person. These experiences are especially hard when they come from a Christian [brother or] sister who claims to have a relationship with God. It's yet another example of a good appearance on the outside... but the real heart of a person shows in actions and words. Make sure your heart is clean. Ask Jesus' help in getting rid of the things that make it unclean so that your words and actions reveal His love to all around you. (See Mark 7:2.

4 d

Good morning. Be willing to use your gifts for God's purpose. (Illustrated Words - Mar 2)
"Jesus didn't meant swords. He made it clear that if we are living for Him, your life will show it. Your behavior speaks loudly as to what you truly believe. A [man or] woman who is serving and obeying God will soon have fruit in [his or] her life. What is fruit? A growing love for Jesus and for other people. A desire to witness for Him and share His love with others. A willingness to use the gift and talents God has given to grow His Kingdom. A [man or] woman can claim to be following Christ, but if there is no fruit in [his or] her life, then [his or] her words are empty." (See Matthew 7:16).
The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service.
~Billy Graham