Dianne Marben

13 hrs

Good morning. I love Jesus, yes I do. I love Jesus, how 'bout you? (Illustrated Words - Apr 11).
"The people who hated Jesus the most were the religious leaders. He taught different things than they did and He didn't keep the rules they had themselves made up. Since they hated Jesus, it only made sense that they hated His followers, too. That still happens today. People who are against God will be against His followers. Sometimes that's good, because you know they recognize you as being obedient to God. Your life might nudge their conscience to also follow Him. Keep on doing what God wants you to do. He will take care of them." (See John 15:18).

1 d

Good morning. Do you know the truth? Do you admit it? (Illustrated Words - Apr 1
"Don't you just love Peter? He sometimes spoke before he thought and once in a while that got him into trouble. But there was no doubt that Peter loved Jesus. One time Jesus asked Peter if people were saying that He truly was God's Son. After Peter answered, Jesus asked, 'What about you Peter? Who do you say I am?' Faith in Jesus is a personal decision. You aren't a Christian just because you go to church once in awhile or hang around Christians or even because you read the bible. You must choose Jesus and you can't ride the fence about it. Who do you say that Jesus is?" (See Matthew 16:15).

3 d

Good morning. You have a good heart. (Illustrated Words - Apr 9)
"You may know all the Christian things to say and even be pretty good about guarding your speech so that those Godly things come out most often. But at some point what's really going on in your heart will come out in what you say. Your words have the power to wound and damage others. Jesus said that the words that fly out of your mouth show what kind of stuff is going on in your heart. If you're selfish, mean-spirited and prideful then all that stuff will show by the words you speak to others. Clean up your heart and your words will clean up too." (See Matthew 15:18).

4 d

Good morning. Leadership has great responsibility. (Illustrated Words - Apr 8 ).
"If you take on the position of leader, make sure you know where you're leading people. The Pharisees thought they knew everything. They fooled themselves into thinking they knew more than God. They lived by rules they made up themselves, instead of obeying God's commands. They insisted that everyone follow their rules or be banned from worshiping. They were truly the blind leading the blind. Be careful whom you follow - test the teachings you receive by their obedience to God's word. His Word is the final, correct standard of obedience. If you lead, stay true to scripture and lead by its standard." (See Matthew 15:14, and don't twist the scriptures to meet your own needs).

5 d

Good morning. Forgive yourself, too. (Illustrated Words - Apr 7).
"This is a warning against self-righteousness. Don't think so much of yourself that you elevate yourself over someone who you perceive to be less righteous (and worthy) than you. Jesus pointed out a woman who had lived a sinful life - everyone knew she was sinful and yet He forgave her. She realized that she had been forgiven for very much, and she was so very grateful that she worshiped Jesus fully. Have you honestly faced your own sinfulness? Do you understand how much you have been forgiven? When you do, your love for Jesus will be stronger and your worship will be filled with gratitude." (See Luke 7:47).