Refreshing Daily

in God’s Word Emphasis on

Character

“ vs7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing

uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,   vs8

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the

contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. ~ Titus 2:7-8

“Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember

you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”

~ Charles Spurgeon

Men and women of character will set a good example for others to follow, and their Godly

reputation will be evident to all.

The Importance of CharacterApril 1

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:14-27Key Verse: Verse 23 - “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”Key Words: Keep thy heart

This is no April Fool joke: either you have character or you are one.

Think about those who have been our leaders such as President Nixon and President Clinton who have lacked in character and ended up in scandals. What about those who were supposed to be religious leaders such as Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart who were involved in sexual scandals? People end up in scandals because they lack in character.

Now character is a matter of the heart. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” So if one is involved in a scandal, it’s because he has a scandalous heart. That is their character.

A number of years ago the Douglas Aircraft company was competing with Boeing to sell Eastern Airlines its first big jets. War hero Eddie Rickenbacker, the head of Eastern Airlines, reportedly told Donald Douglas that the specifications and claims made by Douglas's company for the DC-8 were close to Boeing's on everything except noise suppression. Rickenbacker then gave Douglas one last chance to out-promise Boeing on this feature.

After consulting with his engineers, Douglas reported that he didn't feel he could make that promise. Rickenbacker replied, "I know you can't, I just wanted to see if you were still honest."

What to do:

✞Remember, character isn’t made in a crisis. It is only exhibited.

What Is Character?April 2

Bible Reading: Joshua 24:14-28Key Verse: Verse 23 – “Now therefore put

away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.”Key Words: incline your heart unto the

LORD God of Israel

Character can be both positive and negative. We have all known of someone who can be described as “quite a character;” but usually character is used to describe a person’s positive traits.

What exactly is character? Well, Biblical character is best defined by our relationship with God. It’s our moral compass in us that guides us. There are those who would never run around on their spouse, but they don’t mind going to the bar for a drink. Others would never drink, but they “cuss” like a lost sailor. Character is when we have Godly traits in every aspect of life. Character is when we do sin, we admit and confess it and ask for forgiveness. I am convinced that is the reason David was the apple of God’s eye. He wasn’t perfect but when confronted, he admitted his sin and confessed it and asked for forgiveness.

One ship sails east,One ship sails west,

Regardless of how the wind blows.It is the set of the sail

And not the galeThat determines the way we go.

~ Ellen Wheeler Wilcox

John Bartlett wrote: “All children must look after their own upbringing. Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right path, but the forming of a person’s

character lies in their own hands.”

What to do:✞Remember, a man’s best collateral is his character…and either you have character or

you are one.

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Character ~ MeeknessApril 3

Bible Reading: Numbers 12Key Verse: Verse 3 – “Now the man Moses was

very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.”

Key Words: Moses was very meek

Meekness means a tamed spirit, a spirit under control. It is the exact opposite of meanness. Jesus had a meek spirit. In Matthew 11:29 we are told by Jesus, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” In Matthew 5:5a, Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek.”

So what exactly is the character trait of meekness? A. W. Tozer answers that when he says: “The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson;

but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto.”

What to do:✞Remember, either you have character or you are one.

Character ~ GentlenessApril 4

Bible Reading: II Timothy 2:15-26Key Verse: Verse 24 – “And the servant of the

Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt

to teach, patient,”Key Words: but be gentle

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The word gentle means sweet reasonableness. So often in our efforts to have concern for others, we let our emotions destroy our character of sweet reasonableness. Let me explain.

At their school carnival, our kids won four free goldfish (lucky us!), so out I went Saturday morning to find an aquarium.

The first few I priced ranged from $40 to $70. Then I spotted it—right in the aisle: a discarded 10-gallon display tank, complete with gravel and filter—for a mere five bucks. Sold! Of course, it was nasty dirty, but the savings made the two hours of clean-up a breeze.

Those four new fish looked great in their new home, at least for the first day. But by Sunday one

had died. Too bad, but three remained. Monday morning revealed a second casualty, and by Monday night a third goldfish had gone belly up.

We called in an expert, a member of our church who has a 30-gallon tank. It didn’t take him long to discover the problem: I had washed the tank with soap, an absolute no-no. My uninformed efforts had destroyed the very lives I was trying to protect.

Sometimes in our zeal to clean up our own lives or the lives of others, we unfortunately use “killer soaps”—condemnation, criticism, nagging, fits of temper. We think we’re doing right, but our harsh, self-righteous treatment is more than they can bear.

What to do:✞Remember, either you have character or you

are one.

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Character ~ IntegrityApril 5

Bible Reading: Joshua 9:1-21Key Verse: Verse 19 – “But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.”Key Words: We have sworn unto them

The Gibeonites had deceived the leaders of Israel, and as a result, Israel had made a “league” agreement with them (verse 15) only to find out later that they were deceitful in their actions. The problem is that Joshua had made a commitment, a league, a

promise, and it is here that we see Joshua’s character.

In verses 18-21 Joshua carries out his commitment to the Gibeonites. He did what he promised he would do. That’s character! That’s integrity!

A preacher got on a bus one day, and he gave the bus driver the fare. The bus driver gave him too much change. The preacher went and sat down, counted the money, and noted that the bus driver gave him too much change, and so he went back to the bus driver and said, “You gave me too much change. You gave me fifty cents too much.”

He said, “Pastor, I really appreciate this, because I was in your church service yesterday, and I heard your sermon on honesty. So I intentionally gave you too much change to see whether you abide by what you preach.”

What to do:✞Do what you said you would do. Remember, either you have character or you are one.

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Character ~ Progressing in Character

April 6

Bible Reading: John 19:28-42Key Verse: Verse 39 – “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by

night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and

aloes, about an hundred pound weight.”Key Words: And there came also Nicodemus

We find Nicodemus mentioned three times in the Scriptures, all of which are in the book of John. On each occasion we find Nicodemus progressing in his character.

In John 3 we find him coming to Jesus.In John 7:50-51, we find him defending Jesus.In John 19:39 we find him worshipping Jesus,

giving to him, and mourning His death.So it is with our character. If we are maturing

as we should be, our character will be improving as well. May this be so with each one of us.

Under the house where I grew up, on the farm, we had a celler (not a basement) with a dirt floor where my mother stored all the fruits and vegetables we had raised for the winter. On the cellar side of the door, my mother would periodically have me stand with my back to the door so she could put a mark for my height and list my age. I would often go to the door just to take a look and see how much I was growing, always excited to see the progress. Wouldn’t it be great (or would it) if we had such a chart at the back of the church? We could all stand against the door frame and see how much we have all grown spiritually in the last six months or year.  But then again, we probably don’t need to because our character will tell us that!!

What to do:✞Remember, either you have character or you

are one.

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Character ~ Or Lack Of ItApril 7

Bible Reading: Jonah 1Key Verse: Verse 3 – “But Jonah rose up to flee

unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.”Key Words: But Jonah rose up to flee

Remember that character is a matter of the heart. Your character reveals your heart.

The first indication that Jonah did not share the heart of the One Who called him is the fact that he ran from God’s command rather than obeying it. Jonah clearly knew the call of God and ran in the opposite direction. That is a lack of character.

Believers who intentionally go against the Word of God do so because they lack in character.

Henry Wingblade used to say that Christian personality is hidden deep inside us. It is unseen, like the soup carried in a tureen high over the waiter’s head. No one knows what’s inside – unless the waiter is bumped and he trips! Just so, people don’t know what’s inside us until we’ve been bumped. But if Christ is living inside, what spills out is the fruit of the Spirit, and I might add, character as well.

What to do: ✞Remember, either you have character or you

are one.

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Character ~ Step by StepApril 8

Bible Reading: I Kings 17:1-7Key Verse: Verse 3 – “Get thee hence, and turn

thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.”Key Words: hide thyself by the brook

Cherith

Have you ever noticed that the building of one’s character doesn’t come in one big event but it’s a process of time and events?

Elijah was first told to hide by the brook Cherith, then he was told to go to Zaraphath. Then he was told to confront Ahab. Then he went and conquered the prophets of Baal.

So he first hid…Then he went…Then he confronted…Then he conquered.Each of these steps helped to grow and define

Elijah’s character.Amy Carmichael once penned these thoughts:

“Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step by little bits of wills, little denials of self, little inward victories by faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so, those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph, no spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment.”

Character comes slowly but surely as we continue to press forward for God’s glory.

What to do: ✞Press on!!! Remember, either you have

character or you are one.

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Character ~ Your VowsApril 9

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7Key Verse: Verse 4 – “When thou vowest a vow

unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.”Key Words: When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it

Keeping one’s vows, whether it be in marriage, your job, or to your neighbor, is a matter of character. The reason it is a matter of character is because character matters.

Winston Churchill kept England stable during the World War II bombing raids by emphasizing that “Wars are not won by evacuations.” Likewise, marriages are not kept together by bailing out. Your wedding vows are not multiple-choice questions!

Unfortunately, some are like the wealthy oil tycoon. As he lay on his deathbed, his pastor talked to him of God's healing power. "Pastor," he gasped, "if God heals me, I'll give the church a million dollars." Miraculously, the man revived and within a few short weeks was out of the hospital. One day, several months later, he and the pastor chatted on the sidewalk in front of a hardware store. "You know," the pastor said, "when you were in the hospital dying, you promised to give the church a

million dollars if you got well. We haven't got it yet." "Did I say that?" the tycoon asked. "I guess that goes to show how sick I really was!"

What to do: ✞Remember, the reason we focus so much on

the matter of character is because character matters. Either you have character or you are one.

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Character ~ Overcoming Failure

April 10

Bible Reading: II Kings 5:20-27 and II Kings 8:1-6

Key Verse: II Kings 8:4 - “And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.”Key Words: And the king talked with Gehazi

A person of character understands that failure doesn’t have to be final. Character understands when you fall, you get back up.

Gehazi had failed. He had failed in his faith, obedience, and attitude (II Kings 5). But Gehazi, being a man of character, got up after he failed, and we find him in II Kings 8 standing before the king.

Some onlookers thought it was unusual, but few noticed when the pastor wheeled into the church parking lot in a borrowed pickup truck. But everyone’s eyes were upon him when he

backed the truck across the lawn to his study door. Refusing comment or assistance, he began to empty his office onto the truck bed. He was impassive and systematic: first the desk drawers, then the files, and last his library of books, which he tossed carelessly into a heap, many of them flopping askew like slain birds. His task done, the pastor left the church and, as was later learned, drove some miles to the city dump where he committed everything to the waiting garbage. It was his way of putting behind him the overwhelming sense of failure and loss that he had experienced in the ministry. This young, gifted pastor was determined never to return to the ministry. Indeed, he never did.

What to do: ✞It helps to remember that failure is an event,

not a person. Remember, either you have character or you are one.

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Character ~ ClassApril 11

Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-25Key Verse: Verse 19 – “Then Joseph her

husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.”Key Words: to make her a publick example

We all know this portion of Scripture as the “Christmas Story;” but it is much more than that.

It is a story of character about a man who showed his class by his desire not to put Mary out for a public display. Even though he, in all likelihood, thought Mary had been unfaithful. He still loved her and refused to let her be the “cover girl” for immorality. Joseph was a class act; he was a person of character.

A pastor I know was recently flying into Washington, DC, on a business trip. The man sitting next to him offered him a drink of vodka. In a friendly, simple way he politely said, “No, thank you.” A few minutes later, he noticed the pastor’s Bible and said, “You seem to be a religious person.” The pastor responded, “Well, I’m a pastor.” The businessman looked a little embarrassed and said, “I guess you think I’m low down.” My friend said, “No, I actually think you are a pretty generous person.” That pastor could have said any number of things, but in being polite and kind, he showed a touch of class and character.

What to do: ✞Remember, either you have character or you

are one.

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Character ~ ResponsibilityApril 12

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 6:1-15Key Verse: Verse 15 – “So the wall was finished

in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.”

Key Words: So the wall was finished

It’s always good to remember that character is a heart issue – sinful heart: sinful character – righteous heart: righteous character.

One of those areas of righteousness is us fulfilling our responsibilities. You could say it’s simply doing your job.

Leave the driving to us, or so the saying goes. On May 28, 1993, Greyhound bus driver J. Massenberg balked on his company’s slogan and asked for a relief driver from the passengers on his bus. Thirty miles shy of his destination in Tallahassee, Massenberg said, “I quit. I can’t handle this anymore. Does anyone have a Class B license to drive a bus?” Nobody was qualified, but an off-duty police officer got behind the wheel and drove about thirty minutes while Massenberg slept. He reclaimed the wheel just before arriving at the bus station and drove in for the last time. Needless to say, the rookie bus driver is no longer working for Greyhound. Responsibility involves completing a task.

Every day, at the end of the day, we should ask ourselves at least these two questions: 1) Have I done my best today so God can receive the blessing? 2) Did I finish my task for the day?

Character carries out all of its responsibilities!!

What to do:

✞Ask yourself: would I want a whole staff of people just like me? (Either you have character or you are one.)

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Character ~ ConductApril 13

Bible Reading: II Thessalonians 3:11-18Key Verse: Verse 11 – “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.”Key Words: but are busybodies

Our conduct is tied to our character. You can’t have one without the other.

If we have loose lips….if we are not “organized”…. if we have a quick temper….if we are unteachable….all of this involves our conduct.

When Queen Victoria was a child she didn’t know she was in line for the throne. Her instructors, trying to prepare her for the future, were frustrated because they couldn’t motivate her. She just didn’t take her studies seriously. Finally her teachers decided to tell her that one day she would become the queen of England. Upon hearing this Victoria quietly said, “Then I will be good.” The realization that she had inherited this high calling gave her a sense of responsibility that profoundly affected her conduct from then on.

A man in the Army of Alexander the Great who was also named Alexander, was accused of cowardly actions. He was brought before

Alexander, who asked what his name was. He replied softly, "Alexander." "I can't hear you," the ruler stated. The man again said, a little louder, "Alexander." The process was repeated one more time, after which Alexander the Great commented, "Either change your name or change your conduct."

Your conduct is your character and your character is your testimony.

What to do: ✞Either you have character or you are one.

Watch your conduct: it does matter.

Character ~ WisdomApril 14

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-12Key Verse: Verse 7 - “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”Key Words: fear the LORD

We are told in Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” One cannot have Godly wisdom without having Godly knowledge, because wisdom is the application of knowledge. Wisdom is putting knowledge into action. For example, Adam and Eve had knowledge in regard to not eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. But they were not wise in that they did

not put that knowledge into practice, and, as a result, they lacked character. The same can be said for Achan, Jonah, David and Bathsheba, and the list goes on and on.

Remember that wisdom is putting knowledge (what we know) into practice, but we can never have Scriptural knowledge without being in the “Book.”

I want to share with you something really encouraging. Most of us don’t aspire very high in our reading because we don’t feel like there is any hope. But listen to this. Suppose you read about 250 words a minute and that you resolve to devote just 15 minutes a day to serious reading to deepen your grasp of Biblical truth. In one year (356 days) you would read for 5,475 minutes. Multiply that times 250 words per minute and you get 1,368,750 words per year. Now most books have between 300 and 400 words per page. So if we take 350 words per page and divide that into 1,368,750 words per year we get 3,910 pages per year. This means that at 250 words a minute, fifteen minutes a day you could read about 20 average sized books a year! I believe you will be absolutely elated: reading more than you ever thought you could in a 15 minute slot that would have been wasted anyway. So get inside the Word of God and get your knowledge. Apply it and act in wisdom because that’s where real character begins.

What to do: ✞You guessed it!! Either

you have character or you are one.

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Character ~ DiscretionApril 15

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:13-26Key Verse: Verse 21 - “My son, let not them

depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:”Key Words: keep sound wisdom and

discretion

Wisdom is what we do. Discretion is how we do it. Character comes from having sound discretion.

There are four ways to do what we do:

1) We can do a wrong thing in a wrong way.2) We can do a wrong thing in a right way.3) We can do a right thing in a wrong way.4) But discretion is doing the right thing in the

right way.

Daniel certainly had discretion in regard to the king’s meat and the king’s wine (Daniel 1).

Dr. Ian Paisley, the fiery Irish cleric and politician was reported to have been preaching one Sunday on the End Times - and in particular on the Day of Judgement. As he reached the climax of his address he said that on the Day of Judgement "there would be wailing and gnashing of teeth”. At which point an old woman put up her hand and said “Dr. Paisley, I have no teeth.” Dr. Paisley could have handled the situation in any number of way, but he showed great discretion by replying “Madam, teeth will be provided.” Now, that’s an act of character!!What to do:

✞Character is revealed by how we handle ourselves. Remember, either you have character or you are one.

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Character ~ Proper AuthorityApril 16

Bible Reading: Judges 4:1-9Key Verse: Verse 8 - “And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.”Key Words: If thou wilt go with me, then will

I go

For those who have no character, absolute power corrupts absolutely. They become the greatest of burdens; but on the other hand, for those who understand authority, their character will shine brightly.

Many people can simply force people to do what they want because they have the power to make them do it. However, few people like to be forced to do anything. Eventually such power driven leadership destroys relationships. On the other hand, some have the ability to lead through authority.  Authority is different than power. Power is something you have and force on people.  Authority is something you gain. It is given to you by the people you lead. How does one gain authority from those they lead? Only through service and sacrifice. When people see that you have their best interests at heart, when they see you are willing to sacrifice and serve them, they will be willing to follow. That’s servant leadership, that’s authority.

What to do: ✞Remember, nothing reveals your true

character like having a little authority. Either you have character or you are one.

Character ~ Improper Authority

April 17

Bible Reading: I Kings 12:1-11Key Verse: Verse 11 - “And now whereas my

father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”Key Words: I will add to your yolk

There is nothing much worse than a person who is power happy, having power.

Authority makes one humble or domineering, depending upon their character. In Rehoboam’s case, it revealed a real lack of character.

Authority without character is like a heavy axe without a sharp edge, more likely to bruise than to polish.

There is a story I love to tell in regard to this from the Prime Minister of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev.

During his years as premier of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev denounced many of the policies and atrocities of his predecessor, Joseph Stalin. Once, as he reproached Stalin in a public meeting, Khrushchev was interrupted by a shout from a heckler in the audience. “You were one of Stalin’s colleagues. Why didn’t you stop him?” “Who said that?” roared Khrushchev. An agonizing silence followed as nobody in the room dared move a muscle. Khrushchev replied, “Now you know why.”

There are those who do not use authority to help and better others, but they abuse authority and misuse others. They do so because of a lack of Godly character!!

What to do: ✞Use authority to better others, not abuse

them. Either you have character or you are one.

Character ~ AspirationApril 18

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:8-13Key Verse: Verse 13 - “I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me.”Key Words: I can do all things through

Christ

You can easily tell the character of a person by what they aspire to.

A carnal character aspires to worldliness. A lazy character aspires to nothing. A Godly character aspires to be like Christ.

William Carey said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”

Today, because of a lack of Godly character, we have few expectations of God and attempt few things for Him as well.

A Sports Illustrated journalist was interviewing Ken Stabler, the former quarterback for the Oakland Raiders. The writer recited a quote from renowned

author, Jack London, that went something like this: “I’d rather be ashes than dust. I’d rather my spark go out in a burning flame than it be stifled with dry rot. I’d rather be a splendid meteor blazing across the sky, every atom in me in magnificent glow, than to be a sleepy and permanent planet. Life is to be lived, not just to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them; I will use my time!”

The interviewer asked Stabler what that quote meant to him personally. The crusty, maverick veteran of the gridiron, standing with his hands in his pockets and his usual slouched posture blinked and then responded with a shrug, “Throw deep?”

Today, we need some Christians who aspire to be great for God and are willing to “go deeply” for Him.

What to do: ✞Remember, either you have character or you

are one.

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Character ~ The WhinerApril 19

Bible Reading: Numbers 11:1-9Key Verse: Verses 1 - “ And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the

LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” Key Words: the people complained

How quickly we forget the blessings of God! Israel had been led out of Egypt by God. They had crossed the Red Sea safely – on dry ground, I might

add. They had watched as the army of the enemy had been consumed by that same sea. God had provided food and water; their clothing and shoes were seemingly everlasting. God had provided for them a land flowing with milk and honey, but yet they whined. They whined for the same reasons we whine. We focus on what we don’t have rather than on what we do have.

I read the following and found it to be a blessing. I trust you will as well. The author is unknown.

Forgive Me When I Whine

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid with golden hair;I envied her – she seemed so gay, and how I wished I were so fair;When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle;She had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed, she smiled.Oh God, forgive me when I whine; I have two feet – the world is mine.And when I stopped to buy some sweets, the lad who served me had such charm;He seemed to radiate good cheer; his manner was so kind and warm;I said, “It’s nice to deal with you; such courtesy I seldom find;”He turned and said, “Oh, thank you sir.” And then I saw that he was blind.Oh God, forgive me when I whine; I have two eyes – the world is mine.Then, when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue;He stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to do;I stopped a moment, then I said, “Why don’t you join the others, dear?”

He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew he could not hear.Oh God, forgive me when I whine; I have two ears – the world is mine.With feet to take me where I’d go, with eyes to see the sunset’s glow,With ears to hear what I would know, I am blessed indeed.The world is mine – oh, God forgive me when I whine.

Oh Lord, forgive us when we whine!!!

What to do: ✞Thou shalt not whine. Remember, either you

have character or you are one.

Character ~ EntitlementApril 20

Bible Reading: II Thessalonians 3:1-10Key Verse: Verse 10 – “For even when we were

with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”Key Words: if any would not work, neither

should he eat

We live in a day of entitlement where some feel as though the government and others should supply all their wants.

But a person of character understands that others owe us nothing, that through work and toil, our needs are to be met.

Reminds me of the story when Benjamin Franklin was asked by a not-so-well-to-do individual, “Where is all this happiness the Constitution promises us?” Franklin’s reply was, “The Constitution promises you the pursuit of happiness. You have to catch it for yourself.”

I’ve read the following on a couple of occasions. It has been attributed to State Rep Mitchell Aye from Georgia, but for this hour and this day, I think it bears repeating.

“We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters.

We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.”

ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.

ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone–not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable

people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.

ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we’re just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don’t be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don’t be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won’t have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.

ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over-abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don’t care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from!

ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country’s history or heritage. This

country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all, with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!!”

What to do: ✞People who carry a spirit of entitlement

surely do not carry a spirit of Godly character. Remember, either you have character or you are one.

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Character ~ AppreciationApril 21

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 7Key Verse: Verse 3 - “I speak not this to

condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.”Key Words: ye are in our hearts

In this day of jealousy and envy, it’s hard for people to honestly have the character to appreciate the accomplishments of others.

There are three primary things brought to our attention in regard to appreciation found in II Corinthians 7.

In verses 2 – 4, Paul is encouraging the church, while in verses 5 – 10, Titus is encouraging Paul, and in verses 11 – 16, the church at Corinth encourages Titus.

Those people who appreciate your work, not only can be, they are a great encouragement to us. Amen!

Dr. Ernest Mellor, in an article for Homemade magazine, said, “Recently my wife and I sat charmed at an outdoor performance by young Suzuki violin students. After the concert, an instructor spoke briefly on how children as young as two, three and four years old are taught to play violin. The first thing the children learn, he said, is a proper stance. And the second thing the children learn – even before they pick up the violin – is how to take a bow. ‘If the children just play the violin and stop, people may forget to show their appreciation,’ the instructor said. ‘But when the children bow, the audience invariably applauds. And applause is the best motivator we’ve found to make children feel good about performing and want to do it well.’”

The truth is that we all, yes even you and I, need a pat on the back occasionally. We all need to know that we are appreciated. It motivates us to go on. So today, I encourage you to let someone else know that you appreciate them.

What to do: ✞ Let others know how much you appreciate

their work and for using their talents for God. Remember, either you have character or you are one.

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Character ~ To DisagreeApril 22

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 4:1-11Key Verse: Verse 2 - “And he spake before his

brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?”Key Words: What do these feeble Jews

People with character know how to disagree without becoming obnoxious and demeaning. As you read about Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the walls, you can see from verse 2 that those who disagreed with Nehemiah became very sarcastic and ridiculed the people. That’s what people with no character do. But Nehemiah doesn’t respond in kind; he simply turns and gives his petition to God.

Although George Whitefield disagreed with John Wesley on some theological matters, he was careful not to create problems in public that could be used to hinder the preaching of the Gospel. When someone asked Whitefield if he thought he would see Wesley in heaven, Whitefield replied, “I fear not, for he will be so near the eternal throne and we at such a distance, we shall hardly get sight of him.”

H. L. Mencken was a newspaperman and magazine editor in the first half of this century. His critiques of American life often drew letters expressing outrage and indignation. He answered every critical letter and handled each one the same way. Mencken simply wrote back, “You may be right.” Peace settlements start with the acknowledgement that the other party “may be right.”

People of character know how to disagree without being disagreeable.

What to do:

✞It’s alright to disagree but don’t do it with a disagreeable spirit. Remember, either you

have character or you are one.

Character ~ CockinessApril 23

Bible Reading: Joshua 8:10-29Key Verse: Verse 14 - “And it came to pass,

when the king of Ai saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, before the plain; but he wist not that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city.”

Key Words: the king of Ai

The word cockiness, according to the dictionary, can mean arrogant, full of self, someone who is always right in their own eyes. Ever know anyone like that?

It was pride and over-cockiness of Israel that led to their defeat against Ai. Now the pride and arrogance of Ai will lead to their demise. Remember, “Pride goeth before the fall.” Past victories are no guarantee of future victories.

An overconfident girl may think she can handle the “petting” only to find out later the power of worldly lust. An overconfident pastor may feel as though he can handle his desires and passions as well, only to find himself a shame to the cause of Christ, his family and himself.

The overconfidence of many teens and adults has destroyed them when they thought they could handle the drugs, sex, or liquor. Watch out for cockiness and pride.

A man who had a high opinion of himself, stepped on a coin-operated scale that dispensed a card giving his weight and comments about his personality. After reading the card, he handed it to his wife and said, “Here, look at this!” She took it and read aloud, “You are dynamic, a born leader, handsome, and much admired by women for your personality.” Giving a second look, she added, “Hmmm...I see it got your weight wrong, too.”

Beware of cockiness!

What to do: ✞You know by now: Remember, either you

have character or you are one.

Character ~ LoyaltyApril 24

Bible Reading: Ruth 1:1-18Key Verse: Verse 18 - “When she saw that she

was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.”Key Words: stedfastly minded to go with her

There is something to be said for people that are loyal…not a loyalty that stems from emotion and feeling, such as Peter had when he said “I will never deny you,” but a loyalty that comes from a heart of character.

Most of us have been hurt by someone who forsook us over some “trivial” disagreement, even though we had invested our lives in them. Loyalty is a matter of the heart; it’s a matter of character.

One of the all-time greats in baseball was Babe Ruth.  His bat had the power of a cannon, and his

record of 714 home runs remained unbroken until Hank Aaron came along.  The Babe was the idol of sports fans, but in time age took its toll, and his popularity began to wane.  Finally, the Yankees traded him to the Braves.  In one of his last games in Cincinnati, Babe Ruth began to falter.  He struck out and made several misplays that allowed the Reds to score five runs in one inning.  As the Babe walked toward the dugout, chin down and dejected, there rose from the stand an enormous storm of boos and catcalls.  Some fans actually shook their fists.  Then a wonderful thing happened.  A little boy jumped over the railing, and with tears streaming down his cheeks he ran out to the great athlete.  Unashamedly, he flung his arms around the Babe’s legs and held on tightly.  Babe Ruth scooped him up, hugged him, and set him down again.  Patting him gently on the head, he took his hand and the two of them walked off the field together.

There is something to be said for loyalty.

What to do:✞Remember, loyalty is a matter of the heart.

Either you have character or you are one.

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Character ~ Being A FriendApril 25

Bible Reading: Proverbs 17Key Verse: 17 - “A friend loveth at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.”Key Words: a friend loveth at all times

I went out looking for a friend and found one nowhere. I went out to be a friend and found them everywhere.

Proverbs chapter seventeen deals with the subject of contentment. We see in verses one through five that Solomon deals with contentment from possessions. In verses six through ten, he deals with contentment from having right priorities. In verses eleven through twenty-one, he talks about being content with people, and sometimes being content in spite of people. Then in verses twenty-two through twenty-eight, he talks about contentment that comes from being prudent.

But in verse seventeen, Solomon touches on being content in our friendships when he says “a friend loveth at all times.” A real key to loving someone is in reality being their friend. Let me explain.

On July 29, 1981, Britain’s Prince Charles married Lady Di in a grand royal wedding. The glamorous wedding was a “fairy tale come true” for both Prince Charles and Lady Di, or at least that’s what we were led to believe. For their wedding London was a city dressed like a large stage. City busses were painted the color of the wedding. There were 4,500 pots of flowers that lined the wedding route of Lady Di. All the flowers were, there again, the color of her wedding.

That day it is said that three million people lined the streets of London to get a glimpse of Lady Di. The wedding was carried live on television in seventy-five countries. Approximately one billion people watched the wedding.

It was indeed a glamorous wedding; but unfortunately, it wasn’t a glamorous marriage.

Fifteen years and one month after Prince Charles and Lady Di said “I do,” they were divorced. Someone asked Prince Charles why the marriage

failed. His answer was, to say the least, shocking. He said, “Lady Di and I were lovers and admired each other, but we were never friends.” Oh!! The Word of God is so true. “A friend loveth at all times.”

What to do: ✞Being a friend is a matter of having a friendly character. Either you have character or you

are one.

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Character ~ ExcusesApril 26

Bible Reading: Proverbs 22:13-29Key Verse: Verse 13 - “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.”Key Words: there is a lion

Character doesn’t make excuses. It does what it should do and accepts responsibility without excuses.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good at making excuses is seldom good at anything else.”

Nothing is quite as fascinating as the person who always renders an excuse for not doing what they should have done.

I read the following top ten excuses as to why people don’t bathe. You can take these excuses and apply them to any area of life where excuses are made.

10. I was forced to take a bath as a child.

9. People who bathe are hypocrites. They think they are cleaner than anyone else.

8. There are so many kinds of soap; I can’t make up my mind which one to use.

7. I used to bathe, but I stopped because it was really boring.

6. I only bathe on special occasions: Christmas and Easter.

5. None of my friends bathe.4. I’ll start bathing when I get older and

have more time.3 I really don’t think I’m that dirty.2. The bathroom is always too hot or too

cold.1. The people who make bath soap are only

after your money.

See how ridiculous excuses can be? And yes, we do sound that silly when we make them. So stop using great excuses not to do what you should, and start accomplishing great things by doing what you should….that’s character.

What to do: ✞Stop making excuses. Remember, either you have character or you are one.

Character ~ Peer PressureApril 27

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-19Key Verse: Verse 6 - “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”

Key Words: and he did eat

If you live your life with Godly character, then you will never fall into the trap of peer pressure.

I once read about a spider that built a beautiful web in an old house. He kept it clean and shiny so that flies would patronize it. The minute he got a customer, he would make a quick meal of it and was very careful to clean up afterward so that other flies would not get suspicious.

One day this fairly intelligent fly came buzzing by the clean spider web. Old man spider called out, "Come in and sit." But the fairly intelligent fly replied. "No, sir. I don't see other flies in your house, and I'm not going in alone!"

Right about then the fairly intelligent fly saw a large crowd of flies dancing around on a piece of brown paper below. He was delighted and prepared to join the crowd. Just before he landed, a bee zoomed by calling out, "Don't land there, stupid! That's flypaper!"

But the fairly intelligent fly shouted back, "Don't be silly. Those flies are dancing down there! Everybody's doing it. That many flies can't be wrong!" Well, you know what happened…he died on the spot!

Some of us want to be with the crowd so badly that we won't listen to God's Word or good advice. What does it profit a fly (or a person) if he escapes the web only to end up in the glue? As a Christian, we should not long for things simply because others

do, but rather we should long for the things of God. That’s character!

What to do:✞Don’t be ordinary but be extraordinary for

being an example of Godliness to your family.

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Character ~ CriticismApril 28

Bible Reading: John 11:1-21Key Verse: Verse 21 - “Then said Martha unto

Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”Key Words: if thou hadst been here, my

brother had not died

Nothing reveals our true character like how we handle criticism! I’ve always told our staff who are criticized, “If the criticism is correct, change; if it’s not correct, don’t worry about it.”

Remember, if you do anything, say anything, make any decision, you open yourself up for criticism. But a person of true character handles themselves with Godly dignity.

English evangelist George Whitefield (1714-1770) learned that it was more important to please God than to please men. Knowing that he was doing what was honoring to the Lord kept him from discouragement when he was falsely accused by his enemies. At one point in his ministry, Whitefield received a vicious letter accusing him of wrongdoing.

His reply was brief and courteous: “I thank you heartily for your letter. As for what you and my other enemies are saying against me, I know worse things about myself than you will ever say about me. With love in Christ, George Whitefield.”

He didn’t try to defend himself. He was much more concerned about pleasing the Lord.

What to do: ✞Please God! Either you

have character or you are one.

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Character ~ ChristianityApril 29

Bible Reading: Acts 11:1-26Key Verse: Verse 26 - “And when he had found

him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

Key Words: And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch

There is a difference between being born again and being a Christian. Being born again is when we accept what Jesus did for us in dying, being buried, and raising from the dead. Salvation is what Jesus did for us; being a Christian is what we do for Him – not because we have to but because we want to.

The very word Christian means to resemble, to identify with. So a Christian is one who can be identified because they resemble Christ in word and actions.

The young son of a humble, consecrated pastor became very ill. After the boy had undergone an exhaustive series of tests, the father was told the shocking news that his son had a terminal illness. The youngster had accepted Christ as his Savior, so the minister knew that death would usher him into Glory; but he wondered how to inform him that he would soon die. After earnestly seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit, he went with a heavy heart through the hospital ward to the boy’s bedside. First he read a passage of Scripture and had a time of prayer with his dear child. Then he gently told him that the doctors could promise him only a few more days to live. “Are you afraid to meet Jesus, my boy?” asked his devout father. Blinking away a few tears, the little fellow said bravely, “No, not if He’s like you, Dad.”

In our daily walk we should strive to reflect Christ in our lives. That’s character!

What to do:✞Live your life desiring for others to see Jesus through you. Either you have character or you

are one.

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Character ~ The StandardApril 30

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:20-30Key Verse: Verse 29- “Take my yoke upon you,

and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Key Words: I am meek and lowly

Jesus is the Standard for Character. He never exalts Himself. He always put the will of the Father first. He thought of others more than Himself. Jesus is the Standard for Character.

Christ was a missionary… in the house of Lazarus.

Christ was a foreign missionary…when the Greeks came to Him.

Christ was a city missionary… when he taught in Samaria.

Christ was a Sunday School missionary…when He opened up the Scriptures and set men to studying the Word of God.

Christ was a missionary to the children…when He took them in His arms and blessed them.

Christ was a missionary to the poor…when He opened the eyes of the blind beggar.

Christ was a missionary to the rich…when He opened the spiritual eyes of Zacchaeus.

Even on the cross, Christ was a missionary to the thieves; and His last command on this earth was a missionary commission (Acts 1:8).

Christ was the greatest of all the missionaries, because He was the greatest of all the servants. Maybe we should follow both His lead and command, and go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

What to do:✞Let Jesus be the Standard for your character.

Either you have character or you are one.

I deeply appreciate the help of

Mary Parsons

Glenda Myrick

And my lovely wife, Linda

Without God using these people to help, this

devotional would not have been possible.

Dr. Mike Rouse

is a ministry of

5568 Chalkville Mountain RoadBirmingham, AL. 35235

(205) 854-2741www.mountainviewbaptist.org