Daily Devotion

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Almost Content?
September 5, 2013 — by Bill Crowder

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-12
Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5
Bible in a Year:
Psalms 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
As I stepped into the restaurant parking lot after lunch, I saw a pickup truck speeding through the parked vehicles. While observing the driver’s reckless behavior, I noticed the words on the truck’s front license plate. It read, “Almost Content.” After thinking about that message and the sentiment it tried to communicate, I concluded that the concept “almost content” doesn’t exist. Either we are content or we are not.

Admittedly, contentment is a tough needle to thread. We live in a world that feeds our desire for more and more—until we find it almost impossible to be content with anything. But this is nothing new. The book of Hebrews addressed this issue, saying, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (13:5). The only remedy for hearts that “want it all” is the contentment found in the presence of the living God. He is sufficient for our needs and longings, and He alone can bring us the peace and contentment we’ll never find in the pursuits of this life.

Almost content? There is no such thing. In Christ we can know true contentment.

I find contentment in His wondrous grace,
No cloud or shadow can obscure His face;
When great temptations I must bear,
I find the secret place of prayer. —Dunlop
Contentment is not getting what we want but being satisfied with what we have.

 

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Are You In The Zone?
"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." - 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Why is it so easy to get caught up in the action whenever a famous sports celebrity is on TV? It's usually because they play at such a high level that it is an inspiration to watch them when they are "in the zone.” What does it mean to be "in the zone?" Well, that’s when someone’s actions seem effortless, almost as if they could score at will.

We can all think of a bad day at work, but can you think of any time when you were "in the zone" - a moment where you enjoyed your task, you were caught up in your work and lost track of time? What were you doing at that moment? What skills were you using? What was it that caused you to be passionate about the work? Understanding the answers to these questions will often help you better understand how to best use your time and talents - in other words, find your calling.

A calling is when we are passionately using our God-given gifts in a way that pleases Him. We are not talking about your personality profile, but about those God-given gifts listed in the Bible like teaching, counseling, generosity, administration, and prayer, among many others. Kirk Livingston, CEO of a communications company, sums it up, "When we find ourselves involved with God at work, we also begin to find the work we were meant to do." And that’s how we discover our true calling from God.

Have you discovered your calling? If not, pray and search for God’s will. Over time, He’ll reveal it to you.

 

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Listen To The Holy Spirit!
"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." - 2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV

Jesus tells us that one of the "signs" His coming is near is an increase in false prophets. That is surely true in our day. It was interesting, in 2005 Lifeway published an article on the explosive growth of cults in the United States, saying, “The growth of cults and new religions is exploding across our nation with an estimate today of up to 3,000 cults active in the United States involving nearly 20 million people in America.”

We hear about the “Health and Wealth Gospel” or “Prosperity Theology” and the thousands of preachers saying you give to God in order to get. It really should be called “The Gospel of Greed.” Or, if you really pray hard enough, God will heal your disease. Give money to this or that ministry and you’ll get rich. It’s this false idea that God won’t let you suffer and wants you to be rich. That is heresy. It is false teaching that has permeated the church. It’s taking a certain passage of scripture and building your whole life around it, while ignoring all other kinds of passages that give us the full picture of God’s truth. Other false prophets say that there are no absolute truths; that Christ is just a man; that the Bible is not true and always trustworthy. We shouldn’t be surprised about this. Jesus and God’s Word tells us to expect it.

So, how can you keep from being deceived by a false prophet or leader? The key is in knowing Jesus and His Word. Then ask these questions:

1. Would Jesus say that?
2. Would Jesus do that?
3. Is what this person is saying consistent with Jesus and His Word?

And if you’re a Christian, you have an added bonus: the Holy Spirit that dwells in you teaches you how to understand the Word and gives you a check in your spirit when something doesn’t ring true.

 

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"You ask and you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." - James 4:3 NIV

How many of us can relate to this situation? One day, a man was late for a job interview because he couldn't find a place to park. As he circled the block one more time, he cried out, "Please God. This interview is so important. If you will provide a parking space, I'll be on the front row of the church every week!" Just as he spoke those words, a space opened right in front of him. "Oh, never mind," he said. "I found one."

Perhaps this man exemplifies the extent of many of our prayer lives. Some may say, "But, the Lord's Prayer tells us to pray for our daily needs!" Yet we often confuse our needs with our wants. We can get so wrapped up in praying for our wants that we begin to see God as just someone we can use to get what we want! That's a terrible misunderstanding of God.

Is God going to give you everything you ask for? Absolutely not! Loving parents don't give their children everything they see in a toy store, and likewise God is not some genie saying, "Your wish is my command." James 4:3 says, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."

God wants us to seek His will so we can learn to understand our needs versus our wants. When we do, we can knock on the door of heaven and see God pour forth blessings to meet the needs of our lives.

 

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“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” - Matthew 7:3-4

During His ministry on the earth, Jesus Christ was a master, really a genius, at painting word pictures in ways that even a child could understand. And right in the heart of the greatest sermon ever preached, The Sermon on the Mount, when He was preaching before thousands on a hill by the Sea of Galilee, He painted a word picture about judging others.

He said something like, "When you see someone with a little grain of something in their eye, and you go to them to try and get that speck out of their eye while you’ve got a log in your own eye - well - you look like an idiot." Now, he didn’t use those exact words, but what He was seeking to communicate in painting the word picture is that we DO look like idiots when we seek to judge others for what may be even a minor flaw in them, when we have a major flaw of sin in our lives.

Jesus tells us, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) In other words, the way you judge others is the way that God is going to judge you.

But there’s hope for us. The closer we are to Jesus Christ, the more we are aware of our sinfulness. The further a person is from God, the more they are blind to their sinfulness, and they feel like they are really basically good, especially compared to those that they see or read about in the news. That’s how you can tell a religious moralist from a true Christian. But the closer we follow Christ as Lord, the more we’re aware of our own sinfulness. Thus, we become less prone to judge others because that big log (our sin) is so clearly seen.

Isn’t it time to leave the judging to God?

 

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It’s All About The Love
September 11, 2013 — by Anne Cetas

Read: 1 John 4:7-19
We have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love. —1 John 4:16
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4
I saw a sign in front of a church that seems to me to be a great motto for relationships: Receive love. Give love. Repeat.

The greatest love that we receive is the love of God. He loved us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to live, die, and rise again to redeem us (1 John 4:9). We receive His love when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord. “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

After we’ve experienced God’s love, we then can learn to give love. “Let us love one another, for love is of God” (1 John 4:7).

God’s love enables us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We teach, encourage, and rebuke. We weep and rejoice. The love we give is tender and tough and supportive. We are taught by Jesus even to love our enemies: “Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). Giving love to others can be challenging in some situations, but it’s possible because of the love God has first given to us.

A good plan for our lives today: Receive love. Give love. Repeat.

For Further Study
How do we experience the love of Christ? (John 15:10).
What is the evidence of God’s love in our lives? (1 John 4:16-21).
How can we show God’s love today?
Receive love. Give love. Repeat.

 

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TAKE THAT WHICH IS YOURS.
But in Mount Zion, there will be those who escape, and it will be holy. The house of Jacob will possess their possessions. (Obadiah 1:17)
God has given the whole Canaan to the Israelites. During the time of King Solomon, they've live an abundant life. But because of their sins, they ended up in poverty and in misery. Isn't it that some believers were like them? God blessed us abundantly, both spiritual and material blessings. But because of weaknesses in faith, we couldn't fully received such blessings. Through constant reading of the Scriptures and great faith, we could explore such blessings awaiting for us.

 

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Beneficial Power
September 12, 2013 — by Joe Stowell

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 2 Chronicles 16:6-13
The eyes of the Lord run to and fro . . . , to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. —2 Chronicles 16:9
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 13-15; 2 Corinthians 5
Boxing and strong-man competitions have a unique aspect to them. In the events, the athletes compete individually for the purpose of demonstrating their superior strength. It’s like arm wrestling—you do it to prove that you are the strongest person in the room.

One aspect of God’s glory is His almighty power. But how does He show His strength? He doesn’t do it by rearranging the galaxies before our very eyes, changing the color of the sun at a whim, or freezing a lightning bolt as a trophy to His strength. Instead, in His love and compassion for needy people like ourselves, God has chosen to “show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chron. 16:9).

The pattern is consistent throughout Scripture. From the dividing of the Red Sea, to the marvel of manna in the wilderness, to the miraculous virgin birth, and ultimately to the power of the resurrection, our Almighty God has chosen to demonstrate His strength to bless, preserve, and protect His people.

Be assured that He delights in showing Himself strong in the challenges of our life. And when He proves His power on our behalf, let’s remember to give Him the glory!

Lord, thank You for choosing to expend Your
divine power on the needs of my life. When my
strength is weak, teach me to trust that Your mighty
arm is able to guard, protect, and deliver!
All of God’s promises are backed by His wisdom, love, and power.

 

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I WILL ARISE
Don't rejoice against me, my enemy. When I fall, I will arise. When I sit in darkness, Yahweh will be a light to me. (Micah 7:8)

Feeling weak? In troubled or being tempted to fall into sin? Such situations was an effective weapon of the enemy to distract our focus and diverted it away from the LORD. When we're in depth troubles, we can't overcome those things by our own strength. Remember that the enemy have plenty of tactics to bring us down. What makes it worse is, the enemy uses our loved ones and sometimes even our brethren so that the impact will bring much burden. When there's no way out in such situation, when all sides have been blocked, look up! For there's no way we could escape except to raise our hands and let Jesus pull us up! Admitting our weaknesses before GOD is not a losing turn but instead, a chance for the LORD to let His power work on us, thus enabling us to arise from worse situation and become victorious.
A blessed weekend everyone!

 

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A Father To Follow
September 13, 2013 — by Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 2 Chronicles 17:1-10
[Jehoshaphat] sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments. —2 Chronicles 17:4
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 16-18; 2 Corinthians 6
When I think of my father, I think of this saying: “He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and he let me watch him do it.” During my youth, I watched my dad walk with God. He participated in Sunday morning church services, taught an adult Bible-study class, helped with counting the offering, and served as a deacon. Outside of church, he faithfully defended the gospel and read his Bible. I saw him express his love for the Lord through outward actions.

Asa, king of Judah, modeled devotion to God for a season in his life (2 Chron. 14:2). He removed the idols from his kingdom, restored the altar of the Lord, and led the people into a covenant with God (15:8-12). Asa’s son Jehoshaphat carried on this legacy by seeking “the God of his father and walk[ing] in His commandments” (17:4). Jehoshaphat purged the land of idol worship (v.6) and sent out priests and Levites to teach God’s law in all of the cities of Judah (vv.7-9).

Jehoshaphat’s reign resembled that of his father; he faithfully honored Asa’s godly example. Yet even more important, Jehoshaphat’s “heart took delight in the ways of the Lord” (v.6). Today, if you’re looking for a father to follow, remember your heavenly Father and take delight in His ways.

We magnify our Father God
With songs of thoughtful praise;
As grateful children we confess
How perfect are His ways. —Ball
We honor God’s name when we call Him our Father and live like His Son.

 

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The lives of King Asa and King Jehoshaphat shall always be an inspiration to every Christians. They live a life that delighted the eyes of the LORD, thus, they've been able to rule their kingdom with great success.

 

[rowan]

mabuti pa yung mga pretty faces dami ga like at ga reply d2 halos wla.. whew! keep on posting lng

 

[bluesniper3906]

mabuti pa yung mga pretty faces dami ga like at ga reply d2 halos wla.. whew! keep on posting lng

thank you so much brod! nakaka-inspire naman na may nag-appreciate ng ganitong thread. i believed that GOD will soon talk personally to those who had been read this thread and enlighten their heart and mind about the essence of His word. To GOD be the glory! stay blessed brod!

 

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SUFFICIENT DAY BY DAY

Give us day by day our daily bread. (Luke 11:3)
Most people worried much for the next day that has to come without knowing that such thinking brought. much stress. Remember that in this world, no one knows of the future. Although preparing for the future in this world is important, giving it much important may always bring worries and fear. The only and most important thing that needed much focused is all about eternity. If we have assurance that we would have an eteranal life, there could be no more worries and fears. Such assurance that we could have an eternal life would only be through Jesus.
The secret of happiness in life is to live day by day and let the LORD work within our lives in full authority.
Have a great and blessed start for the coming week!

 

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There Are Some Things That "Self-Help" Just Can't Do SEP 15 2013
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We are a nation that has access to so much information, whether it's good, complete nonsense, or even flat-out lies, that we think everything can be fixed by "googling" a problem! Have you ever noticed how much "self-help" information we have in our society? There are shelves full of books, radio programs, CDs, DVDs, internet pages, weekend conferences, and numerous talk shows that urge you to take a look at who you are and then change yourself by your determined will.

So, have you tried using some of that information and find you're still discouraged by repeating the same old habits? As Dr. Phil would ask, "How's that working for you?" Well, I'm sorry, folks, but there are just some things that "self-help" can't overcome - things like disease, overcoming certain sins, and most of all, death.

But I have good news for you. God has a plan for us that goes beyond our abilities. It's something supernatural. It comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who can change us from within - where we can't change ourselves. As a bonus to that faith, He promises us victory over death, and eternal life. If you really want to help yourself, lookbeyond yourself to the only One who can save you and give you the ultimate victory - Jesus Christ.

 

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God’s Will
September 16, 2013 — by David H. Roper

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Psalm 37:23-40
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. —Psalm 37:23
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9
We’re often looking for God’s will—especially when we’re in a difficult situation. We wonder, What will happen to me here? Should I stay or does God want me somewhere else? The only way to know for sure is to do what He asks you to do right now—the duty of the present moment—and wait for God to reveal the next step.

As you obey what you know, you will be strengthened to take the next step and the next. Step by step, one step at a time. That’s how we learn to walk with God.

But you say, “Suppose I take the first step. What will happen next?” That’s God’s business. Your task and mine is to obey this day and leave the future to Him. The psalmist says our steps are “ordered by the Lord” (37:23). This day’s direction is all we need. Tomorrow’s instruction is of no use to us at all. George MacDonald said, “We do not understand the next page of God’s lesson book; we see only the one before us. Nor shall we be allowed to turn the leaf until we have learned its lesson.”

If we concern ourselves with God’s will and obey each day the directions and warnings He gives, if we walk by faith and step out in the path of obedience, we will find that God will lead us through this day. As Jesus put it, “Tomorrow will worry about its own things” (Matt. 6:34).

God knows each winding way I take,
And every sorrow, pain, and ache;
His children He will not forsake—
He knows and loves His own. —Bosch
Blessed is the person who finds out which way God is moving and then goes in that direction.

 

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Do We Really Get It? SEP 16 2013
"When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." - Colossians 2:13-14

Is it possible that we don't really get the significance of the incredible gift we were given when Jesus died for our sins? Have we have spoken about it so routinely that we might not absorb its full scope?

It's as though all of our sins were listed on a writing board. And then Christ came along with a cloth and erased them forever. It's as though they were never even there. On that board, somebody puts a receipt that says, "PAID IN FULL." That's what the nails of the cross did; paid the penalty for our sin in full. Christ has done it all. Our sins have been nailed to the cross; they've been taken care of. Nothing more is needed for forgiveness other than our accepting this amazing gift.

Have you done that? Have you claimed the liberating forgiveness of knowing that Christ has paid the full debt of your sins? If not, why not let Christ give you a clean slate? After all, He's already "paid in full." Our choice is simply to accept His gift in faith.

 

[bluesniper3906]

HE IS A STRONGHOLD, A SHIELD

Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7

Don't even think that as a believers, we're no longer proned to test or trials that happens to other people. The good thing is, we could be sure that whenever it happens, our verse assure us of the following:
1. God is good. Whatever wickedness that happens, it was only an effort of man. But even at the moment of darkness, don't forget the goodness of the Lord.
2. He is a shield at all times. It is important that we should always under his mighty wings so that He could always protect and defend us.
3. He take cares of those who seek refuge. We could be sure that He will thoroughly take good cares of us. We are safe in the arms of the Lord no matter what happens.
God is faithful! He had a promise, He will never leave nor forsaken us. We could be sure of it, for he is a God that never lied.
God bless everyone!

 

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God Had Other Plans
September 18, 2013 — by Julie Ackerman Link

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 1 Peter 1:1-9
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9
Bible in a Year:
Proverbs 30-31; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
My friend Linda grew up planning to become a medical missionary. She loves the Lord and wanted to serve Him as a doctor by taking the gospel to sick people in parts of the world where medical care is hard to find. But God had other plans. Linda has indeed become a medical missionary, but not the way she expected.

At age 14, Linda developed a chronic health problem that required her to be hospitalized for major surgery several times a year. She survived bacterial meningitis that left her in a coma for 2 weeks and blind for 6 months. She once celebrated two birthdays in a row in the hospital—without going home in between. She has had several experiences when she was not expected to live. But yet Linda is the most vibrant, grateful, and cheerful person you will ever meet. She once told me that her mission field, as she hoped and planned, is the hospital. But instead of serving God as a doctor, she serves Him as a patient. No matter how sick she is, the light of the Lord radiates from her.

Linda exemplifies the teaching of the apostle Peter. Despite her trials, she rejoices, and the genuineness of her faith brings “praise, honor, and glory” to Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7).

Lord, I’m so thankful that no matter where
we are, we can serve You. Help me to reflect
Your image in my current situation, even
if it’s not where I hoped I would be.
Write your plans in pencil and remember that God has the eraser.

 

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BECAUSE OF CHRIST

For you didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ;...
(Rom 8:15-17)

It's been long time that we've been living in poverty and sufferings. But through Christ who redeemed us, we've discovered that we are heirs. What would truly amazing, is that we will not only inherit things that will never ends. But most importantly, we are heirs of King of kings and Lord of lords. Should kings of the world possesses great wealth and treasures, what more could we expect if we are heirs of God who created and provided everything? Truly, we should be thankful that despite of imperfect world that causes so much pain and hardship, we will no longer experienced such things. For in Christ, the fullness of God dwelled in him and if we're truly lived in Christ, the fullness of God is also within us.
A blessed day everyone!