Matthew 3:16-17 King James Version (KJV) 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. (NLT) -Colossians 2:2
Everyone has a magnetic response to strong ties of love. As a matter of fact, we knit ourselves together and not just romantically. People seek out community in order to find these strong ties that are based in love. In community we are able to find love, acceptance, and encouragement. Are you building a community that demonstrates the love of Christ?
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Thursday, February 26, 2015
"Does not my word burn like fire?" says the LORD. "Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?" (NLT) -Jeremiah 23:29
The Bible is a wonderful tool that we have been blessed with. It is God's Word and direction to us. It can calm fears and convict heavy hearts. Are you staying tuned into what God has to say to you? Be faithful to the Lord and discover what His word can do in your life.
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Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (NLT) -John 15:13
Helping a friend in need may be just a simple act of kindness, but the importance here is about relationships. We don't necessarily think about "maintaining" relationships but rather directing our time to things that matter to us. Take a break from your busy life and think of a starving relationship you can feed. It could blossom into something so beautiful only God could have touched it.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. (NLT) -Ecclesiastes 7:12
Would you give up wisdom for money or would you pay money to gain wisdom? The two are equal in power. As the Bible says, only one of them can preserve your life. No matter how much money someone may have, they can never purchase more hours on the earth. Wisdom in Christ can extend your life eternally. Which of the two are you seeking?
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Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. (NLT) -Proverbs 25:19
When you have a broken tooth you are left vulnerable and so you try to protect yourself from further damage by chewing with the other side. When you lose confidence in an unreliable person, it can end poorly. Adding trouble to the situation only amplifies the effect of a bad result. Do you find yourself vulnerable often? Shift your weight and lean towards someone who is reliable instead.
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Tuesday, February 24, 2015
They answered, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do?" (NLT) -John 6:30
When we are looking for a miracle it's much harder to find one. When we aren't expecting a miracle, we fail to recognize them. Our minds are less focused on God because we are steeped in our logical culture. Therefore, our hearts are hardened to miracles and when it happens we don't attribute it to God. Are we hardening our hearts to the miracles God has done and will do for us? Don't let a miracle be like the mist...sometimes it's not there and sometimes it is, and when it is, we can't feel it. Loosen your heart and be on the lookout for mist and miracles.
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Monday, February 23, 2015
Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken. (NLT) -Isaiah 28:16
Where do you find your security? Does it lie in your success? What about your finances? Or are you counting on family? When one of these crumbles, our sense of security is shaken. There is a stronger rock to stand on that will withstand any quake. That firm and tested stone is Jesus. If you get down or depressed because of bad news, your foundation may depend on something other than the hope found in Jesus.
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Thursday, February 12, 2015
Faith's Checkbook: God Delights to Give
Gen 13:14-15 - And the Lord said unto Abraham, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward, for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/february/12
Long ago the LORD said to Israel: "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." (NLT) -Jeremiah 31:3
God never fails to love but we do. How often do we need to be reminded of our love for our spouse? Every day, minute, perhaps moment? We get engulfed by our busy work life that our real priorities in life seem to slip away. Many times, it's a small chip each day. How long will you wait? Remind yourself with a photo of her in places you visit often. It may be a wallpaper of him or her on your phone or better yet a real physical photo of the two of you in your wallet.
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Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed. (NLT) -Isaiah 43:20
Are you walking through a dry wasteland? Are you parched and exhausted from wandering? Do not be afraid. The Lord will actually make rivers where there is no water. Because He loves you, He will refresh you. Do not lose faith. Look to the Bible for a cool drink of water.
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And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (NLT) -Hebrews 11:6
When something bad happens to you, and you have faith in God, your attitude changes. You begin to figure out why God wants you to go through tough times and what He wants you to learn from it. When you see that bad situation happened for a reason, you begin to trust God even more. Eventually, you want to allow Him into more areas of your life. Sincerely seek the Lord today in prayer.
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Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. (NLT) -Hebrews 11:1
Faith can be simplified to mean trust. It's trusting in God even though you can't see, smell, or touch Him. It's trusting that He loves you and will always have your best interest at heart. Once you believe that He loves you, it becomes easier to place more faith in Him. How are you faithfully trusting in God?
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Monday, February 09, 2015
You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. (NLT) -John 8:15
It is so difficult not to judge. However, Jesus Christ showed it is possible not to judge others as a human being. Your own dog has this concept down pretty well. As you go through your day try to hone in and determine what areas you are more likely to judge. Be vigilant in your thoughts and attitudes that you can spot any duplicity in your thinking.
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Faith's Checkbook: The Dross Purged
Zech 13:9 - And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried; they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/february/9
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Romans 8:37-39
http://bible.com/12/deu.30.16.asv in that I command thee this day to love Jehovah thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his ordinances, that thou mayest live and multiply, and that Jehovah thy God may bless thee in the land whither thou goest in to possess it.
Sunday, February 08, 2015
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. (NLT) -Luke 6:38
Be generous with your generosity to others. Whether in word, deed, action, or object, gift others often. Yes, it's true some people will be more grateful than others. But we really shouldn't be giving solely to have someone indebted towards us. Your gift can be anything such as time, kind words, friendship, babysitting, transportation and on and on. The next time you find yourself clinging to something, that's the time to give it away. It will only come right back.
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Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. (NLT) -Job 2:13
Is a loved one walking through a difficult time? We try so hard to say the right thing to comfort. We desperately want to say words that will take all of the pain away. Sometimes, our words aren't enough and, perhaps, our words rub the wrong way. Mostly, the greatest comfort you can give is like that of Job's three friends. No one said a word but they sat with him. Is there a friend in your life who could use your presence today?
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Saturday, February 07, 2015
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. (NLT) -Matthew 5:15
You have a light inside of yourself. You have the capability to spread light to many people. Do you hide your talents, gifts, and abilities? Put your light on a stand and let everyone benefit from the light you give off. You sure can make a difference in the world by lighting up for everyone else.
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http://bible.com/12/2co.1.3-4.asv Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Friday, February 06, 2015
The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. (NLT) -Proverbs 20:7
Modeling integrity to your children provides a two-fold gift. They witness and learn how to live with integrity. In addition, they are blessed through your integrity because they don't suffer from the consequences of dishonor. What lasting gift are you giving to the next generation?
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This is my command: Love each other. (NLT) -John 15:17
Do you need to make amends with a friend? Take the time to express yourself and share your feelings. Once you've done this, then begin to work at building the relationship back. Be careful not to linger on the hurts. Be graceful and extend honor to the other person by giving them the benefit of the doubt. Care for your friend out of love.
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http://bible.com/12/luk.12.29-31.asv And seek not ye what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. Yet seek ye his kingdom, and these things shall be added unto you.
Thursday, February 05, 2015
No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him.
-1 Corinthians 2:7-9
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (NLT) -Philippians 4:19
Do you look towards luck or superstition to have an impact on your circumstances? Don't you want more than a random chance of good fortune? God has a purpose in our lives and everything happens for a reason. It's always to draw your heart closer to Him. Work on uncrossing your fingers and instead say a prayer. There's more power in purpose than random chance!
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Wednesday, February 04, 2015
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (NLT) -2 Corinthians 1:4
Do you have a personal ministry? A personal ministry will develop your faith as you minister to other people. If you do have a personal ministry, what is your goal you want to accomplish this year? If you don't have one, think about what calls to your heart. What if it is connecting with your neighbors to walk with them in their trials or perhaps it's showing love to an estranged family member? What do you want to focus on this year that will grow God's kingdom?
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History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. (NLT) -Ecclesiastes 1:9
When we gain meaning from anything apart from God we are never completely satisfied. It is only when we seek God that we are truly content in ourselves, our circumstances, and our relationships. While there may be nothing new under the sun, you certainly can count on a relationship with God that is refreshing and satisfying. What are you thankful for that God has been showing you lately?
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He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (NLT) -2 Corinthians 1:4
Do you have a personal ministry? A personal ministry will develop your faith as you minister to other people. If you do have a personal ministry, what is your goal you want to accomplish this year? If you don't have one, think about what calls to your heart. What if it is connecting with your neighbors to walk with them in their trials or perhaps it's showing love to an estranged family member? What do you want to focus on this year that will grow God's kingdom?
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Tuesday, February 03, 2015
And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" (NLT) -Nehemiah 8:10
Have you ever thought about giving to others when you celebrate. Do you incorporate generosity into celebration? Isn't that a way to invite God into your celebration as well? The next time you get consumed with an event like throwing a party or Valentine's Day try to incorporate blessing those less fortunate as a way of honoring the celebration.
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Sunday, February 01, 2015
He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. (NLT) -John 15:2
Isn't it painful when God cuts off one of your branches? We begin to turn on the Pruner and develop anger towards Him. Would it help to know God did it because the branch wouldn't produce any fruit? Are there other areas that would be nice if God could have cut sooner before you put in blood, sweat, and tears? Like perhaps a failed business or a dead end job. Be encouraged to know He will stop you if it's not fruitful and He prunes to keep you working harder resulting in fruitfulness.
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"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" (NLT) -Esther 4:14
God has given you influence, power, and authority for a reason. No matter if you are waiting tables, raising children, or leading an organization, God's given you authority, even if you don't recognize it. You can use your position for your benefit or you can declare it to God. He gave you your influence for a reason. Are you willing to give it back to Him? When a need presents itself today, look for ways you can fulfill the need using your power.
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http://bible.com/12/heb.13.5-6.asv Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee. So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?
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