“In all matters requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, the king found the advice of these young men to be ten times better than that of all the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.”
Daniel 1:20 (NLT)

JULY 2 - What does it mean to have balanced judgment? Picture a large, impressive diamond. If you look at it from a distance, it appears rather flat. But once you clutch the diamond inside your hand, you can examine at it from all angles and realize how truly intricate it is.

Balanced judgment is the ability to consider all the facets of an issue and then be able to synthesize one complete, diamond-like understanding. That understanding encompasses everything about the issue. It allows a person to know which facet is most important at the moment in order to skillfully answer the questions at hand.

Our ability to balance our lives comes from having a complete, multifaceted view of everything life entails. If we get trapped in the world of business, we forget the facet of family. If family time becomes
overemphasized, we begin to overlook the facet of service to God and humanity. Jesus’ life was fully balanced right from the start. Each phase of His life was firmly planned; each circumstance sensibly cultivated. He was born in Bethlehem for a purpose, and fled to the foreign soil of Egypt for another.

And as we look steadily into the Word of God and do what it says, all the facets of life become much clearer—we are able to see how big, or how small, each one is to become according to God’s standards, and
then we truly are able to have balance in our lives.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You for giving me Your Word, which shows me how to balance my life. In all matters requiring wisdom I thank You that the Holy Spirit leads me into all truth.

Family Scripture Reading

Acts 25

Featured Resource

Creating A Legacy - Gift Pack

Includes…

• Creating A Legacy, DVD
• Excellence in Character, book
• Wisdom, confession CD
• Breaking Free, book

Posted under Balance

“Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, ‘What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they are doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a day if they offer enough sacrifices? Look at those charred stones they are pulling out of the rubbish and using again!’”
Nehemiah 4:1-2 (NLT)

MAY 8 - Nehemiah set out to rebuild the dilapidated wall of Jerusalem, and nothing was going to stop him. Nonetheless, it was no trouble-free task. His greatest enemy, Sanballat, was on a constant tirade, trying to destroy Nehemiah by crudely discouraging all of his builders. Soundly determined to do God’s will, even in the midst of vitriolic criticism, Nehemiah led his team to complete the wall.

Sanballat’s criticism would have been a great excuse for Nehemiah to throw in the towel. He could have keenly listened to its banter, firmly believing it, and then finally quit. But Nehemiah understood that criticism would only hurt him if he allowed it.

On our journey to fulfill the will of God, we’ll inevitably pick up a few critics. On December 1, 1953, at age 38, Dayan became the highest ranking Israeli commander with rank of Major General, the role for which he seemed destined. Whether it was waiting in line for his share of rations, or breaking his leg during paratroop training, all criticism vanished as far as General Dayan’s service was concerned— the divine power of his assignment broke down (as it did with Nehemiah) every wall and every critic. When you hear criticism, strengthen your resolve to complete your assignment so that you, too, can glorify God.

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that Your Word is the truth about me. I decide from this moment on to shrug off criticism, look to Your Word, and finish the tasks Heaven gives me.

Family Scripture Reading

1 Peter 1

Featured Resource

Wisdom Devotional - Book

Your daily devotions will be complete with this combination package containing both leather-bound devotional and hardback journal, in the color black or burgundy.

Posted under Criticism

“Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule:
‘whoever does not work should not eat.’”

2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT)

FEBRUARY 16 - Some Americans may have forgotten, but the United States Constitution did not consign the nation to be ruled by judges. Established with the divinely inspired system of “checks and balances,” America’s unique government is separated into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—one continually serving the other. That is exactly how “liberty and justice for all” was created. Recently, however, it seems there has been a disproportionate shift in standards, accentuating an imperial judiciary instead of this branch being the least powerful of the three, consigning the nation to be ruled by judges.

Paralleling this unjust trend, the standards once held by the early Christian church have also declined. Additionally, a shift within the body of Christ from exclusivity to all-inclusive has begun to take place. We have communicated an errant message that everyone can be rewarded in Heaven without doing what is right. This plainly is not just. The shift is evident throughout the entire world, and has infiltrated the church, causing it to be filled with so-called “Christians” who don’t produce Godly fruit. Repeatedly, God’s Word
reveals that rewards are extended only to those who obey.

There must be a balance between seeking the lost and allowing people to determine their own course. Did Jesus ever chase after those who wanted to abandon Him? Absolutely not! Once people knew who He was, Jesus allowed them to decide who they would follow. He did not force Himself upon anyone. If He would have, there would be no reward because God only rewards those whose faith causes pursuit. We must commit to the Word of God and stand our ground to receive what is rightfully ours. Now that is truly “liberty and justice for all.”

Daily Confession

Father, I thank You that I am a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. I produce much fruit that brings You glory.

Day 16: Audio Confession

Family Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 13

Featured Resource

Stronger Everyday - Women’s Conference

Join host Linda Thompson for the annual spring Women’s Conference, where special guests, Robb Thompson and Pat Mesiti will exhort you to grow stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Register today! Price goes up in March!
Registration includes all sessions, food fare, and gift bag.
Now - Feb. 28 $30*
March 1 - 21 $35*
March 22 - 27 $40*
One day only $15*

*Registration required for everyone. FREE for widows, ladies 65 & older, and girls 8th grade and under.

Ladies, my desire is that your testimony would be that you are a woman who is true to her walk with the Lord. I want you to look back at each year of your life and see that no matter what came your way, you made a decision to clothe yourself with strength and dignity!!!

We’ll see you there!
~ Linda Thompson

SCHEDULE

03|26|09
Thursday, 7:00 pm
Opening Meeting

03|27|09
Friday, 9:30 am
Meeting
Childcare available this service

6:30 pm
Meeting
Light meal served

03|28|09
Saturday, 9:00 am
Continental Breakfast

9:30 am
Meeting

Posted under Justice