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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2019 13:51:49 GMT -5
On a bit of a loss on where to post these but any-ways, I share these 'Our Daily Bread Devotionals' on our own forum and a few other boards - Hope you like these too. They are daily (mostly...) - Feel free to read, comment etc on what our Lord is saying to you through these...
Through a New Lens By Julie Schwab
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God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.
Romans 1:20
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Exodus 25:31-40
“It must be amazing to look at a tree and see the individual leaves instead of just a blur of green!” my dad said. I couldn’t have said it better. I was eighteen at the time and not a fan of my new need to wear glasses, but they changed the way I saw everything, making the blurry beautiful!
When reading Scripture, I view certain books like I do when I look at trees without my glasses. There doesn’t seem to be much to see. But noticing details can reveal the beauty in what might seem to be a boring passage.
This happened to me when I was reading Exodus. God’s directions for building the tabernacle—His temporary dwelling place among the Israelites—can seem like a blur of boring details. But I paused at the end of chapter 25 where God gave directions for the lampstand. It was to be hammered out “of pure gold,” including its base and shaft and its flowerlike cups, buds, and blossoms (v. 31). The cups were to be “shaped like almond flowers” (v. 34).
Almond trees are breathtaking. And God incorporated that same natural beauty into His tabernacle!
Paul wrote, “God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature” are seen and understood in creation (Romans 1:20). To see God’s beauty, sometimes we have to look at creation, and what might seem like uninteresting passages in the Bible, through a new lens.
Reflect & Pray
How can you look at Scripture in a new way to see God’s beauty in it? How has God’s beautiful creation drawn you closer to Him?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2019 10:20:43 GMT -5
Are You Hungry Now? By Dave Branon
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What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? James 2:14
Today's Scripture & Insight: James 2:14-18 Thomas knew what he needed to do. Having been born to a poor family in India and adopted by Americans, upon a return trip to India he witnessed the dire needs of the children in his hometown. So he knew he had to help. He began making plans to return to the US, finish his education, save a lot of money, and come back in the future.
Then, after reading James 2:14–18 in which James asks, “What good is it . . . if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?” Thomas heard a little girl in his native country cry out to her mother: “But Mommy, I’m hungry now!” He was reminded of the times he had been intensely hungry as a child—searching through trash cans for food. Thomas knew he couldn’t wait years to help. He decided, “I’ll start now!”
Today the orphanage he began houses fifty well-fed and cared-for children who are learning about Jesus and getting an education—all because one man didn’t put off what he knew God was asking him to do.
James’s message applies to us as well. Our faith in Jesus Christ provides us with great advantages—a relationship with Him, an abundant life, and a future hope. But what good is it doing anyone else if we don’t reach out and help those in need? Can you hear the cry: “I’m hungry now”?
Reflect & Pray What needs around you touch your heart? What’s one thing you can do to help others—even if it seems insignificant?
Direct my steps, O God, toward the actions You want me to take to help someone in need. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your work on earth.
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Post by John on Jul 1, 2019 13:18:38 GMT -5
That is a good message. We were just going through James recently in our weekly Bible study, and true, saving faith, will always produce good works. Faith without works = Dead Faith.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2019 12:39:24 GMT -5
How to Find Peace By Amy Boucher Pye
Click on this link for the audio message
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Colossians 3:15
Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 3:12-17 “What do you think about peace?” my friend asked as we ate lunch together. “Peace?” I said, puzzled. “I’m not sure—why do you ask?” He answered, “Well, as you jiggled your foot during the church service I wondered if you’re agitated about something. Have you considered the peace God gives to those who love Him?”
That day some years ago, I was a bit hurt by my friend’s question, but it started me on a journey. I began exploring the Bible to see how God’s people embraced this gift of well-being, of peace, even in the midst of hardship. As I read Paul’s letter to the Colossians, I chewed over the apostle’s command to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts (Colossians 3:15).
Paul was writing to a church he’d never visited but had heard about from his friend Epaphras. He was concerned that as they encountered false teaching, they were losing the peace of Christ. But instead of admonishing them, Paul encouraged them to trust Jesus, who would give them assurance and hope (v. 15).
We all will encounter times when we can choose to embrace or refuse the rule of Christ’s peace in our hearts. As we turn to Him, asking Jesus to dwell in us, He will gently release us from the anxiety and cares that weigh us down. As we seek His peace, we trust that He will meet us with His love.
Reflect & Pray What situations or relationships weigh on your mind and heart? How can you ask Jesus to bring you His peace?
Jesus, You give peace that passes all understanding. Help me embrace Your peace in every area of my life.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2019 16:40:06 GMT -5
Honest to God By James Banks
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Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. Psalm 32:5
Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 1:12-18 My three-year-old grandson’s day was off to a rotten start. He couldn’t find his favorite shirt. The shoes he wanted to wear were too hot. He fussed and fumed at his grandmother and then sat down to cry.
“Why are you so upset?” I asked. We talked for a while and after he calmed down, I gently inquired, “Have you been good for Grandma?” He looked thoughtfully at his shoes and responded, “No, I was bad. I’m sorry.”
My heart went out to him. Instead of denying what he had done, he was honest. In the following moments we asked Jesus to forgive us when we do wrong and to help us do better.
In Isaiah 1, God confronts His people about wrongs they’d committed. Bribes and injustice were rampant in the courts, and orphans and widows were taken advantage of for material gain. Yet even then God responded mercifully, asking the people of Judah to confess what they’d done and turn from it: “Come now, let us settle the matter . . . . Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
God longs for us to be open with Him about our sins. He meets honesty and repentance with loving forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Because our God is merciful, new beginnings await!
Reflect & Pray What sins have you not been honest with God about? What’s holding you back from confessing them to Him?
Abba, Father, help me to turn away from the sin in my life and make a new beginning with You today.
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Post by John on Jul 3, 2019 17:04:10 GMT -5
We should confess our sins every day and strive to make less mistakes each day. God knows the truth even if we aren't honest with him. He knows the sinful thoughts we have. Nothing is hidden from the eyes of the Lord.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2019 11:34:56 GMT -5
Every Story By Elisa Morgan
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Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:27
Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 24:17-27 I opened the whimsically illustrated children’s Bible and began to read to my grandson. Immediately we were enthralled as the story of God’s love and provision unfurled in prose. Marking our place, I turned the book over and read the title once again: The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name.
Every story whispers His name.
To be honest, sometimes the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is hard to understand. Why do those who don’t know God seem to triumph over God’s own? How can God permit such cruelty when we know that His character is pure and that His purposes are for our good?
After His resurrection, Jesus met two followers on the road to Emmaus who didn’t recognize Him and were struggling with disappointment over the death of their hoped-for Messiah (Luke 24:19–24). They had “hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (v. 21). Luke then records how Jesus reassured them: “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (v. 27).
Every story whispers His name, even the hard stories, because they reveal the comprehensive brokenness of our world and our need for a Rescuer. Every act, every event, every intervention points to the redemption God designed for His wayward loved ones: to bring us back to Himself.
Reflect & Pray How is God’s rescue at work in your life? What stories trouble you today? In what ways (however small) can you see God at work in them?
Dear God, help me listen as You whisper Your name through the stories of Scripture. Every story.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2019 12:17:03 GMT -5
Starting Now By Anne Cetas
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Love each other deeply. 1 Peter 4:8
Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Peter 4:7-11 When my oldest sister’s biopsy revealed cancer in late February 2017, I remarked to friends, “I need to spend as much time with Carolyn as possible—starting now.” Some told me my feelings were an overreaction to the news. But she died within ten months. And even though I had spent hours with her, when we love someone there’s never enough time for our hearts to love enough.
The apostle Peter called Jesus’s followers in the early church to “love each other deeply” (1 Peter 4:8). They were suffering under persecution and needed the love of their brothers and sisters in their Christian community more than ever. Because God had poured His own love into their hearts, they would then want to love others in return. Their love would be expressed through praying, offering gracious hospitality, and gentle and truthful conversation—all in the strength God provided (vv. 9–11). Through His grace, God had gifted them to sacrificially serve each other for His good purposes. So that “in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (v. 11). This is God’s powerful plan that accomplishes His will through us.
We need others and they need us. Let’s use whatever time or resources we have received from God to love—starting now.
Reflect & Pray How have others loved you well? What have you received from God that you might use to serve someone today?
There is nothing small in the service of God. Francis de Sales
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2019 17:20:59 GMT -5
God Looms Larger By Winn Collier
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You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty. 1 Samuel 17:45
Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 17:41-50 Giles Kelmanson, a South African game ranger, described the incredible scene: two honey badgers battling a pride of six lions. Although outnumbered, the honey badgers refused to back down from ferocious predators ten times their size. The lions thought the kill would be simple, but video footage shows the badgers walking away with something like a swagger.
David and Goliath offer an even more improbable story. Young, inexperienced David confronted the fierce Philistine Goliath. Towering above his young combatant, Goliath possessed brute strength and unrivaled weaponry—bronze armor and a lethal, razor-edged javelin (1 Samuel 17:5–6). David, a fledgling shepherd, carried only a slingshot when he arrived at the battlefield with bread and cheeses for his brothers (vv. 17–18).
Goliath challenged Israel to engage in battle, but no one was willing to fight. King Saul and “all the Israelites were . . . terrified” (v. 11). Imagine the shock when David stepped into the fray. What gave him the courage none of Israel’s hardened warriors possessed? For most, Goliath dominated their vision. David, however, saw God. “The Lord will deliver [Goliath] into my hands,” he insisted (v. 46). While everyone else believed Goliath controlled the story, he believed God loomed larger. And, with a single stone to the giant’s forehead, David’s faith proved true.
We’re tempted to believe that “Goliath” (our troubles) directs the story. God is larger, however. He dominates the story of our lives.
Reflect & Pray What concerns threaten to overwhelm you these days? How does God’s reality, the fact that He’s larger, transform your perspective?
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Post by John on Jul 8, 2019 9:21:49 GMT -5
Every Story By Elisa Morgan
Click on this link for the audio message
Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:27
Today's Scripture & Insight: Luke 24:17-27 I opened the whimsically illustrated children’s Bible and began to read to my grandson. Immediately we were enthralled as the story of God’s love and provision unfurled in prose. Marking our place, I turned the book over and read the title once again: The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name.
Every story whispers His name.
To be honest, sometimes the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is hard to understand. Why do those who don’t know God seem to triumph over God’s own? How can God permit such cruelty when we know that His character is pure and that His purposes are for our good?
After His resurrection, Jesus met two followers on the road to Emmaus who didn’t recognize Him and were struggling with disappointment over the death of their hoped-for Messiah (Luke 24:19–24). They had “hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (v. 21). Luke then records how Jesus reassured them: “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (v. 27).
Every story whispers His name, even the hard stories, because they reveal the comprehensive brokenness of our world and our need for a Rescuer. Every act, every event, every intervention points to the redemption God designed for His wayward loved ones: to bring us back to Himself.
Reflect & Pray How is God’s rescue at work in your life? What stories trouble you today? In what ways (however small) can you see God at work in them?
Dear God, help me listen as You whisper Your name through the stories of Scripture. Every story. I see more in OT stories than them showing how bad the world is and how we needed a Savior. I see different things about God, his character and how he views things.
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Post by John on Jul 8, 2019 9:32:46 GMT -5
God Looms Larger By Winn Collier
Click on this link for the audio message
You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty. 1 Samuel 17:45
Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Samuel 17:41-50 Giles Kelmanson, a South African game ranger, described the incredible scene: two honey badgers battling a pride of six lions. Although outnumbered, the honey badgers refused to back down from ferocious predators ten times their size. The lions thought the kill would be simple, but video footage shows the badgers walking away with something like a swagger.
David and Goliath offer an even more improbable story. Young, inexperienced David confronted the fierce Philistine Goliath. Towering above his young combatant, Goliath possessed brute strength and unrivaled weaponry—bronze armor and a lethal, razor-edged javelin (1 Samuel 17:5–6). David, a fledgling shepherd, carried only a slingshot when he arrived at the battlefield with bread and cheeses for his brothers (vv. 17–18).
Goliath challenged Israel to engage in battle, but no one was willing to fight. King Saul and “all the Israelites were . . . terrified” (v. 11). Imagine the shock when David stepped into the fray. What gave him the courage none of Israel’s hardened warriors possessed? For most, Goliath dominated their vision. David, however, saw God. “The Lord will deliver [Goliath] into my hands,” he insisted (v. 46). While everyone else believed Goliath controlled the story, he believed God loomed larger. And, with a single stone to the giant’s forehead, David’s faith proved true.
We’re tempted to believe that “Goliath” (our troubles) directs the story. God is larger, however. He dominates the story of our lives.
Reflect & Pray What concerns threaten to overwhelm you these days? How does God’s reality, the fact that He’s larger, transform your perspective?
The enemy will roar to make our situation seem hopeless. If he gets you to believe that, you become easy prey. That can be seen in the struggle for survival among animals. There was no quit in the badgers as they stood up to the lions. The story of David and Goliath adds the additional element of faith in God to deliver.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2019 17:08:24 GMT -5
Sovereign Intervention By Ruth O’Reilly-Smith
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God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. Exodus 2:25
Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 3:1-9 Barbara grew up under the care of the British government in the 1960s, but when she turned sixteen, she and her newborn son, Simon, became homeless. The state was no longer obligated to provide for her at that age. Barbara wrote to the Queen of England for help and received a response! The Queen compassionately arranged for Barbara to be given a house of her own.
The Queen of England had the right resources to help Barbara, and her compassionate assistance can be seen as a small picture of God’s help. The King of heaven knows all of our needs and sovereignly works out His plans in our lives. As He does, however, He longs for us to come to Him—sharing our needs and other concerns—as part of our loving relationship with Him.
The Israelites brought their need for deliverance to God. They were suffering under the burden of Egyptian slavery and cried out for help. He heard them and remembered His promise: “God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them” (Exodus 2:25). He instructed Moses to bring liberty to His people and declared that He would once again release them “into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (3:8).
Our King loves it when we come to Him! He wisely provides what we need, not necessarily what we want. Let’s rest in His sovereign, loving provision.
Reflect & Pray Why is it important for us to bring our needs to God in prayer? How can you learn to rest in God’s provision—whatever that may be?
Loving God, thank You that I can bring my needs to You. Help me to be content in whatever paths and provisions You choose.
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Post by Tabitha3319 on Jul 8, 2019 19:09:02 GMT -5
How to Find Peace By Amy Boucher Pye
Click on this link for the audio message
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Colossians 3:15
Today's Scripture & Insight: Colossians 3:12-17 “What do you think about peace?” my friend asked as we ate lunch together. “Peace?” I said, puzzled. “I’m not sure—why do you ask?” He answered, “Well, as you jiggled your foot during the church service I wondered if you’re agitated about something. Have you considered the peace God gives to those who love Him?”
That day some years ago, I was a bit hurt by my friend’s question, but it started me on a journey. I began exploring the Bible to see how God’s people embraced this gift of well-being, of peace, even in the midst of hardship. As I read Paul’s letter to the Colossians, I chewed over the apostle’s command to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts (Colossians 3:15).
Paul was writing to a church he’d never visited but had heard about from his friend Epaphras. He was concerned that as they encountered false teaching, they were losing the peace of Christ. But instead of admonishing them, Paul encouraged them to trust Jesus, who would give them assurance and hope (v. 15).
We all will encounter times when we can choose to embrace or refuse the rule of Christ’s peace in our hearts. As we turn to Him, asking Jesus to dwell in us, He will gently release us from the anxiety and cares that weigh us down. As we seek His peace, we trust that He will meet us with His love.
Reflect & Pray What situations or relationships weigh on your mind and heart? How can you ask Jesus to bring you His peace?
Jesus, You give peace that passes all understanding. Help me embrace Your peace in every area of my life.
I've experienced the peace of Christ in the midst of an anxiety attack. I cast my cares on the Lord, thinking "these burdens are too much to carry, Jesus, can you carry them?" Then my mind began to be at peace.
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Post by John on Jul 8, 2019 20:40:47 GMT -5
Sovereign Intervention By Ruth O’Reilly-Smith
Click on this link for the audio message
God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. Exodus 2:25
Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 3:1-9 Barbara grew up under the care of the British government in the 1960s, but when she turned sixteen, she and her newborn son, Simon, became homeless. The state was no longer obligated to provide for her at that age. Barbara wrote to the Queen of England for help and received a response! The Queen compassionately arranged for Barbara to be given a house of her own.
The Queen of England had the right resources to help Barbara, and her compassionate assistance can be seen as a small picture of God’s help. The King of heaven knows all of our needs and sovereignly works out His plans in our lives. As He does, however, He longs for us to come to Him—sharing our needs and other concerns—as part of our loving relationship with Him.
The Israelites brought their need for deliverance to God. They were suffering under the burden of Egyptian slavery and cried out for help. He heard them and remembered His promise: “God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them” (Exodus 2:25). He instructed Moses to bring liberty to His people and declared that He would once again release them “into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (3:8).
Our King loves it when we come to Him! He wisely provides what we need, not necessarily what we want. Let’s rest in His sovereign, loving provision.
Reflect & Pray Why is it important for us to bring our needs to God in prayer? How can you learn to rest in God’s provision—whatever that may be?
Loving God, thank You that I can bring my needs to You. Help me to be content in whatever paths and provisions You choose.
The Lord is able to do all things, but often times, we don't receive help, simply because we do not ask. The Bible says that we have not because we ask not. I wonder how many miracles we all miss out on for that reason, and how much needless worry and suffering we go through?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2019 21:12:33 GMT -5
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