Bible Commentary:    "We hear a lot about the importance of healthy self-esteem. Paul warns us, however, not to go too far in self-love----another translation says that no on should 'think of himself more highly than we ought to think'. Some of us think too little of ourselves; some think too much. The key to honest and accurate evaluation is knowing the basis of our worth----our new identity in Christ. Apart from Him, we aren't worth very much by eternal standards; in Him, our worth as a creation of God is infinite. Evaluating ourselves by the worldly standards of success and achievement can cause us to think too much about our worth in the eyes of others and miss our true value in God's eyes."

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"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.' Jesus says the merciful are shown mercy. Forgiving others allows us to see how God has forgiven us. They dynamic of giving grace is the key to understanding grace. For it is when we forgive us. They dynamic of giving grace is the key to understanding grace. For it is when we forgive others, that we begin to feel what God feels.

"Those who taste God's grace but refuse to share it are tortured by anger; choked by bitterness; and consumed by revenge. But for the one who tastes God's grace and gives it to others, the reward is a blessed liberation. The prison door is thrown open. And the prisoner set free is yourself. Find the face of God who forgave you in the face of your enemy. Then set your enemy and yourself free."

~ by Max Lucado, his daily inspirational thought email from yesterday

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Bible Commentary:   "Many people believe that to survive in this world a person must be tough, strong, unbending and harsh. But God says, 'You will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak." The key words are 'because of my Spirit.' It is only through his Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished........ As we live for God, we need to determine not to trust in our own strength or abilities. Instead, we need to depend on God and work in the power of his Spirit!

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"Daily Bread" is something written by Judy Wade, a pastor and banker, and forwarded to me by our:

 Uncle Bud

"Have you ever thought that God cannot possibly use you? I hear discussions on inability all the time and other times people are afraid to step out and step up for fear of what might come up from the past. Charles Stanley shares, 'We don't serve the Lord because we are perfect......we do because we are thankful for what He has done for us. And the work we do is greater because every time we show His everlasting love to another person, it multiplies and grows.' As I stated yesterday (must be in another post?), 'We love because He first loved us.' 1 John 4:19. He turns the weak into strong. He blesses those who mourn and He gives greater grace at just the right time. Be blessed, dear children."

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Today's email devotion from Max Lucado:

"'This cup is the new covenant in my blood,' Jesus explained, holding up the wine. These words recorded in Luke 22:20 must have puzzled the disciples. For generations, the Jews had observed the Passover by sacrificing lambs. It was enough to fulfill the law. But it was not enough to take away sins. Only God could offer an eternal solution.

"Jesus said, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.' So the thirsty come. A ragged lot we are, bound together by broken dream and collapsed promises. We thirst for righteousness....a clean conscience, a fresh start, and a clean slate. We pray for a hand which will enter the dark cavern of our soul and do for us the one thing we can't do for ourselves----make us right again."

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The first few verses of chapter 3 tells about Peter and John heading for the Temple for a prayer meeting when a man crippled from birth started pleading with them for money.

"But Peter said, 'We don't have any money for you! But I'll give you something else! I command you in the name of Jesus Christ on Nazareth, WALK!" (verse 6)

The Bible Commentary on this verse says, "The lame beggar asked for money, but Peter gave him something much better----the use of his legs. We often ask God to solve a small problem, but He wants to give us a new life and help for ALL of our problems. When we ask God for help, He may say, 'I've got something even better for you.' Ask God for what you want, but don't be surprised when He gives you what your really need."

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