daily devotionals
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God’s Testimony
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
Psalm 19:7 NKJV
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A small seed becoming a towering tree. A thin stalk pushing back the earth. A rainbow arching in the midst of the thundercloud…
“God’s testimony,” wrote David, “makes wise the simple.”
God’s testimony. When was the last time you witnessed it? A stroll through knee-high grass in a green meadow. An hour listening to seagulls or looking at seashells on the beach. Or witnessing the shafts of sunlight brighten the snow on a crisp winter dawn…
There comes a time when we should lay down our pens and commentaries and step out of our offices and libraries. To really understand and believe in the miracle on the cross, we’d do well to witness God’s miracles every day.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
Psalm 19:7 NKJV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A small seed becoming a towering tree. A thin stalk pushing back the earth. A rainbow arching in the midst of the thundercloud…
“God’s testimony,” wrote David, “makes wise the simple.”
God’s testimony. When was the last time you witnessed it? A stroll through knee-high grass in a green meadow. An hour listening to seagulls or looking at seashells on the beach. Or witnessing the shafts of sunlight brighten the snow on a crisp winter dawn…
There comes a time when we should lay down our pens and commentaries and step out of our offices and libraries. To really understand and believe in the miracle on the cross, we’d do well to witness God’s miracles every day.
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rose_thorn98
- Posts: 173
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E GABRIELA PEREZ A,
Please private message me your email and I will send you as many daily devotionals as you'd like. Beverly
Please private message me your email and I will send you as many daily devotionals as you'd like. Beverly
~The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Martin Luther King, Jr~
Martin Luther King, Jr~
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Guest
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Guest
March 19, 2008
Refreshment for Refreshers
Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth
"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Many times a word of thanks or appreciation is the only reward a fellow believer in Christ receives this side of heaven. The writer of Proverbs wrote, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25). Could it be that it is our words that are meant to be the refreshment they are longing for? Another wise saying notes" "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it" (Proverbs 3:27). We always have the power to offer an encouraging word...may we never withhold such a valuable treasure from those traveling down the road of faith with us. Mother Teresa said, "Kind words are easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
The prophet Elisha met a woman who understood that God's people need encouragement along their journey. One day as he was passing through the town of Shunem, a wealthy woman urged him to join her and her husband for dinner. During their time together, she discerned that Elisha was a holy man and decided to build a guest room onto their home for him to use when he came through town. She wanted nothing in return; it was just her way of blessing Elisha, of refreshing him, with her words and ways.
Elisha was overwhelmed by her generosity and wanted to give a gift to her in return. But when Elisha offered to speak to the King on her behalf, she assured him that she did not want, need, or expect anything for her kindness. Elisha wouldn't take no for an answer and continued to contemplate the perfect hostess gift.
Gehazi, his servant came up with a splendid idea...a child. "Well, she has no son and her husband is old," Gehazi remarked. Great idea. Elisha called her to the doorway and announced, "About this time next year you will hold a son in your arms" (2 Kings 4:16). And she did!
I just love to watch people try to "out nice" each other. That's exactly what we see in the story of Elisha and the woman from Shunem. How wonderful it would be if we used our words to try to "out nice" each other.
Paul wrote, "Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir and stimulate and invite to love, and helpful deeds and noble activities" (Hebrews 10:22 Amp.). This was not a flippant command. Notice the actions words: give attentive care, continuous care, watching over, studying how, stimulate, invite. Notice at the beginning of Paul's exhortation, he instructs us to observe and then to speak. Not every person needs the same word of encouragement. We watch; we pray; and then we speak the words that will refresh them most effectively.
Today, watch and pray. Ask God to show you who in your sphere of influence needs an encouraging word.
Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I am so glad that You included the story of the Shunemite woman in the Bible. I pray that I can be more like her by observing what people need and then making a move to meet that need. Help me to be a "refresher" today. And thank You for refreshing me.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Now it's Your Turn
Do you really want to be blessed today? I mean really blessed? Then turn in your Bible to 2 Kings 4:3-37 and read the entire story of Elisha and the Shunemite woman.
How can you make that your response to whatever you are going through today?
Now, aren't you glad you read the rest of the story!
Refreshment for Refreshers
Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth
"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Many times a word of thanks or appreciation is the only reward a fellow believer in Christ receives this side of heaven. The writer of Proverbs wrote, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25). Could it be that it is our words that are meant to be the refreshment they are longing for? Another wise saying notes" "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it" (Proverbs 3:27). We always have the power to offer an encouraging word...may we never withhold such a valuable treasure from those traveling down the road of faith with us. Mother Teresa said, "Kind words are easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
The prophet Elisha met a woman who understood that God's people need encouragement along their journey. One day as he was passing through the town of Shunem, a wealthy woman urged him to join her and her husband for dinner. During their time together, she discerned that Elisha was a holy man and decided to build a guest room onto their home for him to use when he came through town. She wanted nothing in return; it was just her way of blessing Elisha, of refreshing him, with her words and ways.
Elisha was overwhelmed by her generosity and wanted to give a gift to her in return. But when Elisha offered to speak to the King on her behalf, she assured him that she did not want, need, or expect anything for her kindness. Elisha wouldn't take no for an answer and continued to contemplate the perfect hostess gift.
Gehazi, his servant came up with a splendid idea...a child. "Well, she has no son and her husband is old," Gehazi remarked. Great idea. Elisha called her to the doorway and announced, "About this time next year you will hold a son in your arms" (2 Kings 4:16). And she did!
I just love to watch people try to "out nice" each other. That's exactly what we see in the story of Elisha and the woman from Shunem. How wonderful it would be if we used our words to try to "out nice" each other.
Paul wrote, "Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir and stimulate and invite to love, and helpful deeds and noble activities" (Hebrews 10:22 Amp.). This was not a flippant command. Notice the actions words: give attentive care, continuous care, watching over, studying how, stimulate, invite. Notice at the beginning of Paul's exhortation, he instructs us to observe and then to speak. Not every person needs the same word of encouragement. We watch; we pray; and then we speak the words that will refresh them most effectively.
Today, watch and pray. Ask God to show you who in your sphere of influence needs an encouraging word.
Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I am so glad that You included the story of the Shunemite woman in the Bible. I pray that I can be more like her by observing what people need and then making a move to meet that need. Help me to be a "refresher" today. And thank You for refreshing me.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Now it's Your Turn
Do you really want to be blessed today? I mean really blessed? Then turn in your Bible to 2 Kings 4:3-37 and read the entire story of Elisha and the Shunemite woman.
How can you make that your response to whatever you are going through today?
Now, aren't you glad you read the rest of the story!
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Guest
<span class="ev_code_PINK">I recieved this from Bev. and loved it. I am wanting to get this to Gabi~here you go.</span>
And today I pray especially for my friends in anxiety and depression, that they may be lifted up using the tools God provided us, Amen! Beverly
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG
Thoughts for Today
All of us deal with strongholds at times in our lives. The stronghold might be depression or a substance addiction or a behavioral problem or an unhealthy relationship or any other life-controlling problem. The world tries to deal with these strongholds on their own, but as followers of Christ we have access to God's mighty weapons to knock down the strongholds. "We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments." 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NLT
Today's scripture describes some of the weapons and armor God has provided. We need to stop trying to solve and overcome problems on our own. Throughout life we experience situations in which we are "up against far more than we can handle on our own." If we are to overcome, we need to take all the help God has provided
Consider this...
Are you struggling with depression or some other life-controlling problem? Prayerfully meditate on today's scripture. You might even want to read it in several translations. Ask God to show you how to apply his weapons and armor to your circumstances.
Prayer...
Father, you know my heart and the struggle I am experiencing. I thank you that you have provided the tools of warfare that I need in order to overcome. Teach me how to apply these tools to my life. In Jesus' name ...
And today I pray especially for my friends in anxiety and depression, that they may be lifted up using the tools God provided us, Amen! Beverly
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG
Thoughts for Today
All of us deal with strongholds at times in our lives. The stronghold might be depression or a substance addiction or a behavioral problem or an unhealthy relationship or any other life-controlling problem. The world tries to deal with these strongholds on their own, but as followers of Christ we have access to God's mighty weapons to knock down the strongholds. "We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments." 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NLT
Today's scripture describes some of the weapons and armor God has provided. We need to stop trying to solve and overcome problems on our own. Throughout life we experience situations in which we are "up against far more than we can handle on our own." If we are to overcome, we need to take all the help God has provided
Consider this...
Are you struggling with depression or some other life-controlling problem? Prayerfully meditate on today's scripture. You might even want to read it in several translations. Ask God to show you how to apply his weapons and armor to your circumstances.
Prayer...
Father, you know my heart and the struggle I am experiencing. I thank you that you have provided the tools of warfare that I need in order to overcome. Teach me how to apply these tools to my life. In Jesus' name ...
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Guest
<span class="ev_code_RED">I recieved this from Bev and think it is wonderful. Hope it helps you Gabi. Have a blessed day</span>
And today I pray especially for my friends in anxiety and depression, that they may be lifted up using the tools God provided us, Amen! Beverly
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG
Thoughts for Today
All of us deal with strongholds at times in our lives. The stronghold might be depression or a substance addiction or a behavioral problem or an unhealthy relationship or any other life-controlling problem. The world tries to deal with these strongholds on their own, but as followers of Christ we have access to God's mighty weapons to knock down the strongholds. "We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments." 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NLT
Today's scripture describes some of the weapons and armor God has provided. We need to stop trying to solve and overcome problems on our own. Throughout life we experience situations in which we are "up against far more than we can handle on our own." If we are to overcome, we need to take all the help God has provided
Consider this...
Are you struggling with depression or some other life-controlling problem? Prayerfully meditate on today's scripture. You might even want to read it in several translations. Ask God to show you how to apply his weapons and armor to your circumstances.
Prayer...
Father, you know my heart and the struggle I am experiencing. I thank you that you have provided the tools of warfare that I need in order to overcome. Teach me how to apply these tools to my life. In Jesus' name ...
And today I pray especially for my friends in anxiety and depression, that they may be lifted up using the tools God provided us, Amen! Beverly
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG
Thoughts for Today
All of us deal with strongholds at times in our lives. The stronghold might be depression or a substance addiction or a behavioral problem or an unhealthy relationship or any other life-controlling problem. The world tries to deal with these strongholds on their own, but as followers of Christ we have access to God's mighty weapons to knock down the strongholds. "We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments." 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NLT
Today's scripture describes some of the weapons and armor God has provided. We need to stop trying to solve and overcome problems on our own. Throughout life we experience situations in which we are "up against far more than we can handle on our own." If we are to overcome, we need to take all the help God has provided
Consider this...
Are you struggling with depression or some other life-controlling problem? Prayerfully meditate on today's scripture. You might even want to read it in several translations. Ask God to show you how to apply his weapons and armor to your circumstances.
Prayer...
Father, you know my heart and the struggle I am experiencing. I thank you that you have provided the tools of warfare that I need in order to overcome. Teach me how to apply these tools to my life. In Jesus' name ...
A Cloak of Love
Monday, March 24, 2008
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version)
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
When Paul said, “Love always protects,” he might have been thinking of a coat. One scholar thinks he was. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament is known for its word study, not its poetry. But the scholar sounds poetic as he explains the meaning of protect as used in I Corinthians 13:7. The word conveys, he says, “the idea of covering with a cloak of love.”
Remember receiving one? You were nervous about the test, but the teacher stayed late to help you. You were far from home and afraid, but your mother phoned to comfort you. You were innocent and accused, so your friend stood to defend you. Covered with tender-hearted care. Covered with protection. Covered with a cloak of love.
Monday, March 24, 2008
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version)
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
When Paul said, “Love always protects,” he might have been thinking of a coat. One scholar thinks he was. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament is known for its word study, not its poetry. But the scholar sounds poetic as he explains the meaning of protect as used in I Corinthians 13:7. The word conveys, he says, “the idea of covering with a cloak of love.”
Remember receiving one? You were nervous about the test, but the teacher stayed late to help you. You were far from home and afraid, but your mother phoned to comfort you. You were innocent and accused, so your friend stood to defend you. Covered with tender-hearted care. Covered with protection. Covered with a cloak of love.
Books:
What to say when you talk to your self--Shad Helmstetter.
Get Out of Your Own Way--Mark Goulston
What to say when you talk to your self--Shad Helmstetter.
Get Out of Your Own Way--Mark Goulston
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Guest
April 8, 2008
April Showers
Susanne Scheppmann
"When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect after the rains!" Psalm 84:6 (NLT)
Devotion:
I gaped at the water pouring down through the vents in the ceiling. A surreal feeling overtook me. I momentarily couldn't move. However, after a moment, I began to wade through the icy water, crying out in dismay, "Oh, no! Oh, no!"
Apparently, a pipe had frozen and split during a recent cold snap. Then, when the warm weather brought a springtime thaw, I received April-like showers inside my home. As I walked upstairs in a panic to call a restoration service, I spotted my plaque that reads, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." I took it as a challenge. Would I choose to "dance" in my "rain"?
Many of my friends would trade my "rains" for their Valley of Weeping. Their lives hold divorce, illness, death---myriads of places of sorrows. God doesn't promise us a trouble- free life, but He does say that Valleys of Weeping will eventually become pools of blessing. We choose our attitudes. We can decide to trust Him during the difficult seasons or we can bury ourselves in bitter self-pity.
Although the pain of life may linger, the Lord will lead us out of the Valley of Weeping. Let's take to heart Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (NIV).
I recall the lines from a childhood poem, "April showers bring May flowers." Hopefully, after everything in my basement is cleaned up and restored, I won't discover any flowers growing in the carpet. But, I will look for those pools of blessing that the Lord will provide through this mishap.
Dear Lord, life is hard sometimes. Walk me through the Valley of Weeping. Keep my heart focused on You and the blessings You provide. Open my eyes to the pools of blessing that You supply. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
April Showers
Susanne Scheppmann
"When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect after the rains!" Psalm 84:6 (NLT)
Devotion:
I gaped at the water pouring down through the vents in the ceiling. A surreal feeling overtook me. I momentarily couldn't move. However, after a moment, I began to wade through the icy water, crying out in dismay, "Oh, no! Oh, no!"
Apparently, a pipe had frozen and split during a recent cold snap. Then, when the warm weather brought a springtime thaw, I received April-like showers inside my home. As I walked upstairs in a panic to call a restoration service, I spotted my plaque that reads, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." I took it as a challenge. Would I choose to "dance" in my "rain"?
Many of my friends would trade my "rains" for their Valley of Weeping. Their lives hold divorce, illness, death---myriads of places of sorrows. God doesn't promise us a trouble- free life, but He does say that Valleys of Weeping will eventually become pools of blessing. We choose our attitudes. We can decide to trust Him during the difficult seasons or we can bury ourselves in bitter self-pity.
Although the pain of life may linger, the Lord will lead us out of the Valley of Weeping. Let's take to heart Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (NIV).
I recall the lines from a childhood poem, "April showers bring May flowers." Hopefully, after everything in my basement is cleaned up and restored, I won't discover any flowers growing in the carpet. But, I will look for those pools of blessing that the Lord will provide through this mishap.
Dear Lord, life is hard sometimes. Walk me through the Valley of Weeping. Keep my heart focused on You and the blessings You provide. Open my eyes to the pools of blessing that You supply. In Jesus' Name, Amen.