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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2019 16:00:42 GMT -5
A Legacy of Faith By Alyson Kieda
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I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice. 2 Timothy 1:5
Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Timothy 1:5–14 Long before the decisive moment when Billy Graham came to faith in Christ at age sixteen, his parents’ devotion to Jesus was evident. They’d both come to faith while growing up within a family of believers. After their marriage, Billy’s parents continued that legacy by lovingly nurturing their children, including praying and reading Scripture and attending church faithfully with them. The solid foundation Graham’s parents laid for Billy was part of the soil God used to bring him to faith and, eventually, to his calling as a bold evangelist.
The apostle Paul’s young protégé Timothy also benefited from a strong spiritual foundation. Paul wrote, “Your sincere faith . . . first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice” (2 Timothy 1:5). This legacy helped prepare and steer Timothy’s heart toward faith in Christ.
Now Paul urged Timothy to carry on this faith tradition (v. 5), to “fan into flame the gift of God” within him through the Holy Spirit, who “gives us power” (vv. 6–7). Because of the power of the Spirit, Timothy could fearlessly live for the gospel (v. 8). A strong spiritual legacy doesn’t guarantee we’ll come to faith, but the example and mentoring of others can help prepare the way. And after we receive Jesus as Savior, the Spirit will guide us in service, in living for Him, and even in nurturing the faith of others.
Reflect & Pray Who or what did God use to help to lay the foundation for your faith? How can you help to do this in someone’s life today?
God, thank You for the believers who helped shape my faith. Help me to rely on Christ’s Spirit for the strength to boldly witness for You.
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Post by John on Aug 8, 2019 16:20:11 GMT -5
We are commanded to raise up our children in the way they should go, which means to have faith in Christ. I believe Timothy's Mother and Grandmother did play a major part in his becoming who he was, a Pastor that is known to just about every Christian, and a great man of faith.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2019 16:15:43 GMT -5
Indestructible Love By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. Song of Songs 8:7
Today's Scripture & Insight: Song of Songs 8:6–7 When we first saw the stream in our backyard, it was just a thin vein of water trickling through a bed of rocks in the heat of the summer. Heavy wooden planks served as a bridge we could easily cross. Months later, torrents of rain pounded our area for several days in a row. Our tame little creek swelled into a quick-moving river four-feet deep and ten-feet wide! The force of this water heaved the bridgeboards up and deposited them several feet away.
Rushing water has the potential to overwhelm almost anything that stands in its path. Yet there’s something that’s indestructible in the face of a flood or other forces that might threaten to destroy it—love. “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away” (Song of Songs 8:7). Love’s persistent strength and intensity is often present in romantic relationships, but it’s only fully expressed in the love God has for people through His Son, Jesus Christ.
When the things we consider to be sturdy and dependable are swept away, our disappointment can open the door to a new understanding of God’s love for us. His affection is higher and deeper and stronger and longer lasting than anything on earth. Whatever we face, we face with Him beside us—holding us up, helping us along, and reminding us that we’re loved.
Reflect & Pray How can you be sure God will always love you? What’s the outcome of God’s love in your life?
Heavenly Father, thank You for comforting me with Your love during times of rejection or loss. Help me to believe I can depend on You to meet every need in my soul.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2019 15:55:37 GMT -5
The Power of Encouragement By: Peter Chin
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The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done. Acts 15:12
Today's Scripture & Insight: Acts 15:12–21 When he was a young boy, Benjamin West attempted to draw a picture of his sister, but he succeeded only in making a mess. His mother saw his creation, kissed him on the head, and remarked, “Why, it’s Sally!” He would later say that it was that kiss that made him an artist—and the great American painter he would become. Encouragement is a powerful thing!
Like a child learning to paint, Paul didn’t have much credibility early on in his ministry, but Barnabas affirmed his calling. It was through Barnabas’s encouragement that the church accepted Saul as a fellow believer (Acts 9:27). Barnabas would also encourage the fledgling church of Antioch, helping it to become one of the most influential in the book of Acts (11:22–23). And it was through Barnabas’s encouragement, as well as Paul’s, that the Jerusalem church embraced the gentile believers as Christians (15:19). So, in many ways, the story of the early church is really a story of encouragement.
The same should apply to our own lives. We might think encouragement is merely saying something nice to someone. But if we think that way, we fail to recognize the lasting power it possesses. It’s one of the means by which God shapes our individual lives as well as the life of the church.
Let’s thank God for the moments we receive encouragement and strive to pass it along to others.
Reflect & Pray How has encouragement shaped your life story in some way? Who encouraged you, and how did they do it? How will you encourage someone in your life this week?
Father, help me encourage others as You have encouraged me.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2019 17:11:56 GMT -5
“Though” By: Arthur Jackson
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Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18
Today's Scripture & Insight: Habakkuk 3:17–19 In 2017, the opportunity to help people in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in the US prompted a group of us to travel to Houston. Our goal was to encourage people who’d been impacted by the storm. In the process, our own faith was challenged and strengthened as we stood with them in their damaged church buildings and homes.
The radiant faith exhibited by a number of these people in the wake of Harvey is what we see expressed by Habakkuk at the end of his seventh-century bc prophecy. The prophet predicted that tough times were on the way (1:5–2:1); things would get worse before they got better. The end of the prophecy finds him pondering the potential of earthly losses and the word though makes a threefold appearance: “Though the fig tree does not bud . . . ; though the olive crop fails . . . ; though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls” (3:17).
How do we position ourselves in the face of unimaginable losses such as the loss of health or employment, the death of a loved one, or a devastating natural disaster? Habakkuk’s “Ode for Tough Times” calls us to confident faith and trust in God, who is the source of salvation (v. 18), strength, and stability (v. 19) for yesterday, today, and forever. In the end, those who trust Him will never be disappointed.
Reflect & Pray How has God met your need during difficult times? How can you encourage others when they face a crisis?
Father, even when life is tough and uncertain, please keep my faith anchored in You, my source of salvation and strength.
To learn more about the prophet Habakkuk, visit christianuniversity.org/OT226.
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Post by John on Aug 11, 2019 19:10:02 GMT -5
“Though” By: Arthur Jackson
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Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18
Today's Scripture & Insight: Habakkuk 3:17–19 In 2017, the opportunity to help people in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in the US prompted a group of us to travel to Houston. Our goal was to encourage people who’d been impacted by the storm. In the process, our own faith was challenged and strengthened as we stood with them in their damaged church buildings and homes.
The radiant faith exhibited by a number of these people in the wake of Harvey is what we see expressed by Habakkuk at the end of his seventh-century bc prophecy. The prophet predicted that tough times were on the way (1:5–2:1); things would get worse before they got better. The end of the prophecy finds him pondering the potential of earthly losses and the word though makes a threefold appearance: “Though the fig tree does not bud . . . ; though the olive crop fails . . . ; though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls” (3:17).
How do we position ourselves in the face of unimaginable losses such as the loss of health or employment, the death of a loved one, or a devastating natural disaster? Habakkuk’s “Ode for Tough Times” calls us to confident faith and trust in God, who is the source of salvation (v. 18), strength, and stability (v. 19) for yesterday, today, and forever. In the end, those who trust Him will never be disappointed.
Reflect & Pray How has God met your need during difficult times? How can you encourage others when they face a crisis?
Father, even when life is tough and uncertain, please keep my faith anchored in You, my source of salvation and strength.
To learn more about the prophet Habakkuk, visit christianuniversity.org/OT226.
I don't pretend to know how I would react to something like that, and hope I don't have to find out. I was in the Houston area not long after they experienced massive flooding, and drove through a town that was completely wiped out. Every building had been damaged to the point of being unsafe. It was like driving through a ghost town. Ideally, we should look at things like Job did. I have never met anyone that suffered as much loss as he did, yet he said that though God slay him, he would still trust him. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. That is a true man of faith.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2019 16:41:36 GMT -5
Celebrating God’s Creativity Xochitl Dixon
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We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:6
Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 12:3–8 As music filled the church auditorium, color-blind artist Lance Brown stepped onstage. He stood in front of a large white canvas, with his back to the congregation and dipped his brush into black paint. With smooth swipes, he completed a cross. Stroke after stroke with brushes and his hands, this visual storyteller created images of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. He covered the large patches of the canvas with black paint and added blue and white to finish a now abstract painting in less than six minutes. He picked up the canvas, turned it upside down, and revealed a hidden image—a compassion-filled face—Jesus.
Brown said he’d been reluctant when a friend suggested he speed-paint during a church service. Yet he now travels internationally to lead people into worship as he paints and shares Christ with others.
The apostle Paul affirms the value and purpose of the diverse gifts God has dispersed to His people. Every member of His family is equipped to glorify the Lord and build others up in love (Romans 12:3–5). Paul encourages us to identify and use our gifts to edify others and point to Jesus, serving diligently and cheerfully (vv. 6–8).
God has given each of us spiritual gifts, talents, skills, and experiences to serve wholeheartedly behind the scenes or in the forefront. As we celebrate His creativity, He uses our uniqueness to spread the gospel and build up other believers in love.
Reflect & Pray Who can you encourage to use their God-given gifts to serve others? How will you do the same?
God, thank You for Your creativity. May I reflect it today.
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Post by PG4Him on Aug 12, 2019 16:47:58 GMT -5
I really enjoy these encouraging little messages. I don’t have much to say, but I do read them!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2019 17:00:56 GMT -5
Thanks Candance.
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Post by frienduff on Aug 12, 2019 17:58:00 GMT -5
I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE . PRAISE THE HOLY LORD . AND LET ALL REJOICE IN THE LORD .
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Post by frienduff on Aug 12, 2019 18:01:04 GMT -5
That's right butero . we are even told to behold the patience of JOB . And even when that man suffered the loss of his animals and Sons and daughters , The man simply said , the GOOD LORD gives and the GOOD LORD takes away , BLESSED BE THE LORD . That is a wonderful example of great suffering and taking it pateintly . And not only that , but look when the apostels and others were in prison or beaten , THEY were REJOICING that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for HIS NAME . BECAUSE HOPE IN THE LORD TRULY IS ALL HOPE and folks can sing even in prison with all hope . PUT THOSE HANDS UP and PRAISE THE LORD .
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2019 15:42:17 GMT -5
Jesus in Disguise By: James Banks
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Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17
Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 25:31–40 My son Geoff recently participated in a “homeless simulation.” He spent three days and two nights living on the streets of his city, sleeping outside in below freezing temperatures. Without food, money, or shelter, he relied on the kindness of strangers for his basic needs. On one of those days his only food was a sandwich, bought by a man who heard him asking for stale bread at a fast-food restaurant.
Geoff told me later it was one of the hardest things he’d ever done, yet it profoundly impacted his outlook on others. He spent the day after his “simulation” seeking out homeless people who had been kind to him during his time on the street, doing what he could to assist them in simple ways. They were surprised to discover he wasn’t actually homeless and were grateful he cared enough to try to see life through their eyes.
My son’s experience calls to mind Jesus’s words: “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. . . . Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:36, 40). Whether we give a word of encouragement or a bag of groceries, God calls us to lovingly attend to the needs of others. Our kindness to others is kindness to Him.
Reflect & Pray What little kindness can you extend to another? When have you been the recipient of another’s kindness?
Dear Jesus, help me to see You in the needs of others today and to love You by loving them.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2019 15:48:42 GMT -5
The Illusion of Control By: Remi Oyedele
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You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. James 4:14
Today's Scripture & Insight: James 4:13–17 Ellen Langer’s 1975 study titled The Illusion of Control examined the level of influence we exert over life’s events. She found that we overestimate our degree of control in most situations. The study also demonstrated how reality nearly always shatters our illusion.
Langer’s conclusions are supported by experiments carried out by others since the study was published. However, James identified the phenomenon long before she named it. In James 4, he wrote, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (vv. 13–14).
Then James provides a cure for the delusion, pointing to the One who’s in absolute control: “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’” (v. 15). In these few verses, James summarized both a key failing of the human condition and its antidote.
May we understand that our fate doesn’t rest in our own hands. Because God holds all things in His capable hands, we can trust His plans!
Reflect & Pray In what ways have you given in to the illusion that you’re in control of your fate? How can you turn over your plans to God and leave your future in His hands?
Heavenly Father, I place all of my life in Your loving hands. Thank You for Your good plans for me.
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Post by John on Aug 14, 2019 16:07:26 GMT -5
Very good insights. One of my favorites of the "Our Daily Bread" series. God is in control, whether we realize it or not. We can think we are going to do something only to have the Lord turn those plans upside down. He is not a stand offish deity that left us all to fend for ourselves. Everything that happens occurs for a reason.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2019 16:09:37 GMT -5
Lincoln’s Pockets By: Mike Wittmer
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Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. Romans 15:2
Today's Scripture & Insight: Romans 15:1–6 The night US president Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theater in 1865, his pockets contained the following: two spectacles, a lens polisher, a pocketknife, a watch fob, a handkerchief, a leather wallet containing a five-dollar Confederate bill, and eight newspaper clippings, including several that praised him and his policies.
I wonder what the Confederate money was doing in the president’s pocket, but I have little doubt about the glowing news stories. Everyone needs encouragement, even a great leader like Lincoln! Can you see him, in the moments before the fateful play, perhaps reading them to his wife?
Who do you know who needs encouragement? Everyone! Look around you. There isn’t one person in your line of vision who is as confident as they seem. We’re all one failure, snide comment, or bad hair day away from self-doubt.
What if we all obeyed God’s command to “please our neighbors for their good, to build them up”? (Romans 15:2). What if we determined only to speak “gracious words” that are “sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”? (Proverbs 16:24). What if we wrote these words down, so friends could reread and savor them? Then we’d all have notes in our pockets (or on our phones!). And we’d be more like Jesus, who “did not please himself” but lived for others (Romans 15:3).
Reflect & Pray Whose words have most encouraged you? Who might need encouragement that you’ve been overlooking?
Loving God, help me to encourage others with my words, actions, and presence.
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