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.
Friday, July 31, 2015
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
-1 Corinthians 10:13
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I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. (NLT) -1 Corinthians 1:10
Often we can get wrapped up in criticism and differences fellow Christians may have. By criticizing, does it really help us to further the Kingdom of Heaven? Sometimes we get ourselves tripped up and stumbling over unimportant issues. Perhaps, it's the work of the enemy to take our eyes off of what is important, living a life that is pleasing to Christ. If you have a problem with fellow Christians, take a moment and examine the importance of your issue. Would Christ delight in your sacrifice of self-righteousness for unity?
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Thursday, July 30, 2015
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. (NLT) -Isaiah 40:30
It's time to empathize. Do you have a friend whose hope is disappearing? Subtle signs may include a change in their appetite, social activity or just subdued behavior. Remember when your hopes and dreams came crumbling down? Think about how you felt and what has helped you. God has placed you perfectly in your friend's life to be the encourager.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Jesus replied, "This kind can be cast out only by prayer." (NLT) -Mark 9:29
Have you ever looked at someone and thought that person could be better if he or she listened to your advice? Maybe you took a step forward and did give your unsolicited advice. While it may seem benevolent to you, many times it's painful to the other person and you may not even realize it. Have you thought about just "praying" instead of "preaching"?
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Tuesday, July 28, 2015
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
-Psalm 52: 8-9
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A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. (NLT) -Proverbs 14:30
It's remarkable how medical studies have proven this verse to be true. Practicing optimism or a peaceful heart is actually one way to improve your health. How can we take advantage of this truth? When you find yourself troubled with relationships, deal with the issues quicker. If you are fearful, lean into God's promises and speak them out loud. If your stress levels are high, exercise to release the tension. Above all, work towards a peaceful heart through Christ.
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Monday, July 27, 2015
When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. (NLT) -Genesis 21:8
Have you lost sight of the importance of celebrating God's blessings? Sometimes we overlook celebrations and think of them as frivolous, costly, or unimportant. It is these times of celebration we remember the most. Feasting over God's blessings encourages us and motivates us to continue on our journey of pressing on. Do you have an occasion, large or small, in your life to celebrate? Take time this weekend, or sometime soon, to celebrate the occasion.
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Saturday, July 25, 2015
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
-Psalm 89: 1-2
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O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. (NLT) -Psalm 63:1
Have you been stuck in a rut lately? You are angered easily, your patience runs thin, and perhaps your optimism has worn down. This happens when we don't connect with the Lord on a regular basis. Especially during the summer and our schedules get hectic, taking time out to spend with God can be often overlooked. If you haven't in a while, spend some time, first thing in the morning praying to God and reading His word. You will see a noticeable difference in your patience, optimism, and grace.
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Friday, July 24, 2015
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." -Deuteronomy 31:6
The Lord will never abandon you. In life we feel abandoned by friends, family, or even the church. But we can always count on God to stand by us through thick and thin. If you are feeling alone, don't believe those feelings, they are lies. God is always with you. So be courageous, because you are not alone.
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Thursday, July 23, 2015
Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. (NLT) -Psalm 50:15
Who do you run to when you are in trouble? Perhaps your spouse, parents, or a good friend? The problem with these people is they are human and can't always rescue you or know what is best for you. God says he will rescue you... not maybe, not perhaps, but He WILL rescue you. How comforting it is to know God has your back. It's only fitting we respond with thankfulness and give God the honor He deserves. Are you in trouble? Then call on the Lord, He will be there.
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The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body.
-John 2:18-21
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Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Faith's Checkbook: An Eternal Pledge
Hos 2:19-20 - And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness; and thou shalt know the Lord.
Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/july/22
Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. (NLT) -Romans 12:21
How can evil conquer us? It begins in our mind. Anger has a way of stewing inside and then it finally erupts. Quick judgements of others begins as a seed in our thoughts that grows into distaste for another. Envy and jealousy begin in the mind as well. This passage tells us the key to overcoming evil is by doing good. Doing good comes from a thought but are acted on. If you feel your thoughts beginning to be critical, angry, or envious, stop them by responding with a loving action. You can conquer everything with good.
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A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (NLT) -1 Corinthians 12:7
Have you identified your spiritual gift? When you use your spiritual gift, usually you have a feeling of a confident joy. A spiritual gift could be healing, encouragement, giving, teaching, wisdom, discernment, or leadership. It's important to identify your gift so you can use it to benefit others. Take a few moments to determine what your gift is and how you can leverage it to help others.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2015
And don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. (NLT) -Ephesians 4:26-27
Festering anger only leads to resentment and irritability, which break down relationships. While some distance may help temporarily, don't allow the issue to go unresolved. God provides peace, grace and forgiveness to all of us, and desires us to extend the same acts to others. If you're experiencing these moments with your spouse or kids, apply this tool given to us by God.
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“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
-Matthew 24:32-35
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Monday, July 20, 2015
And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. (NLT) -Galatians 3:27
Being united with Christ in baptism means we belong on a team. The uniform our team wears is made of a fine, heavenly cloth and adorned with jewels. Our uniform allows us to see each other for what each individual is, a child of God, and we do not focus on differences among the team. Our team is not one that looks down on others outside of our team, but gladly welcomes and encourages others to join. When you meet someone for the first time and find out they are on our team, are you overjoyed or do you look for differences?
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When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them. (NLT) -2 Corinthians 10:18
It can be hard being around someone who is quick to tell you of their accomplishments and boast about themselves. Yet, we, ourselves, get carried away in seeking praise when we just found success. Boasting begins to inflate our identity of ourselves and places importance on human opinions. Are we seeking human praise over the invaluable praise of God? The next time you feel a great sense of accomplishment, try telling God first. He will delight that you are coming to Him and He will praise you greatly.
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Sunday, July 19, 2015
When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. (NLT) -2 Corinthians 7:5-6
Most people think God would make things easy for His apostles, since after all they are doing His work. Yet, he still faced conflict and so did the rest of His disciples. No one can escape conflict, even if we are doing God's work. But God is always providing encouragement and love at just the right time to keep us pushing forward. If you are struggling today, look to see the encouragement God provides for you.
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Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
-Matthew 18:7-9
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Saturday, July 18, 2015
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. (NLT) -Psalm 56:8
It's a common misconception if God doesn't rescue us from pain, then He must not know we are suffering. In actuality this verse tells us how much God feels our pain. He records each and every pain we feel! Can you imagine how big His book must be on our lives? When we experience worries and pain, God is validating them. God knows your problems and sees your tears. Take heart in knowing your God is personal with you and hears the pain in your voice.
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Friday, July 17, 2015
Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
-Luke 13:18-21
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Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. (NLT) -Isaiah 58:10
It feels good to help someone in need. In a sense, God works through our hands to help others. If we keep our hand closed and tight fisted, God isn't able to work through it. When we open our hands to work with others and extend opportunities, your light will shine bright. Is there someone in your life that you can lend a listening ear or a helping hand of empowerment? Your light will be pleasing to God as it glorifies Him.
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Thursday, July 16, 2015
You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
-John 4:22-24
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So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. (NLT) -Hebrews 12:12
Have you ever been working out, tired and struggling, then someone comes along and gives an encouraging word? We had the strength inside all along, but just needed to gather our strength. God is our trainer encouraging us on to stretch ourselves to reach higher accomplishments. We do have the courage to keep on pushing through. If you are feeling tired, take a moment to regain your composure and strengthen yourself. You are capable of more than you think you are.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly--not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. (NLT) -1 Peter 5:2
You have a flock that God has placed into your care, even if you don't realize it. Friends, children, parents, or neighbors are under our care. We often push ourselves to care for them out of obligation, but this makes it difficult if our heart is not willing to serve. Tap into your desire to serve God when relationships are strained among the flock. Have you identified your flock that you care for?
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And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. (NLT) -Titus 2:7
It's easier to tell someone what to do than it is to lead by example. Modeling our beliefs is much more impactful and makes the value ingrained deeper in all who see our example. Telling others what and how to react takes the choice away from them. God will speak to them and show them the error of their ways through your behavior alone. Set the example and let all you do be a reflection of Him.
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Monday, July 13, 2015
"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." (NLT) -Luke 15:20
This son had squandered his father's money and yet, when he returned home to his father, the father welcomed him with joy. Often we want to punish someone who does us wrong when they return to us. Yet if we keep our eye on the importance of a relationship we will do the same as this father and be filled with love and compassion. When someone returns to you for forgiveness, avoid making them feel guilty, but, instead, celebrate their return into your life!
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Sunday, July 12, 2015
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. (NLT) -1 Timothy 4:16
Occasionally we find ourselves in positions where we cannot overtly share the reason for our joy. Teachers often find themselves wanting to share more about Christ but are limited. We can still find ways to sprinkle messages of hope through encouragement, joy, and extending grace. Recommend books, open invitations outside of the limited environment, or just be your lovable self. Above all, stay true to your faith.
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“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
-Matthew 23:25-26
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Saturday, July 11, 2015
May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. (NLT) -Matthew 6:10
How do you respond when someone you are encouraging doesn't respond in the way you want them to? We often get our hopes and expectations up and are let down when they can't meet them. It's a worse feeling on the other side to be the person who fails to live up to your expectations. Release them of expectations and simply provide encouragement without the pressure to perform. Work on an attitude of planting seeds where some flourish and others may not at this time. Expect God to carry out His will, just focus on planting seeds.
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Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! (NLT) -Psalm 32:2
How is it possible for God to clear us of guilt if we aren't honest about our guiltiness? Many times we hide our sins from ourselves by failing to recognize them or we hide them from others when we aren't transparent. This verse tells us we can find joy in our honesty and God will clear us of our brokenness. Please don't use this to condemn yourself of guilt. Instead, use it to positively embrace transparency in your life. Work towards transparency by sharing your struggles with others. They in turn will see Jesus is your strength.
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Friday, July 10, 2015
Thursday, July 09, 2015
You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (NLT) -2 Timothy 2:2
Mentoring and discipling doesn't mean we have to have our life together in order to take part in the mentoring. It's coming alongside someone and sharing a wee bit of our wisdom gained over the years. Quite possibly, just our presence alone of consistent connection builds up another and keeps our spirits high through the difficult times. Is there someone in your life that you are consistently pouring into and passing along these truths? Is God calling you to step out and mentor?
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Wednesday, July 08, 2015
But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. (NLT) -Psalm 75:9
A lot of people take pleasure in boasting about themselves and their success. It's because they need to make themselves feel valued. It takes a humble person to not deceive themselves into taking credit for their own accomplishments. The person who feels valued by God will boast about all that God has done for them. Everything comes into perspective as you grow in relationship with your heavenly Father. What praises are you singing to the God of Jacob?
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Tuesday, July 07, 2015
So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab: "Bring out the men who have come into your house, for they have come here to spy out the whole land." (NLT) -Joshua 2:3
Rahab was a noble woman who put her faith in God by protecting the invading Jewish spies from her fellow King. By the way, she was also the town prostitute. That didn't stop her from stepping out and being courageous. Nor did it stop God from using her in the future. Did you know that Jesus was her descendent? When you are challenged in your faith because of your past, take courage. You are very valuable.
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Monday, July 06, 2015
Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day. (NLT) -Genesis 1:31
Have you used your hands to create lately? There's no feeling in the world like being able to create something with your own hands. Gardening, drawing, or home improvement projects always give a sense of accomplishment at the conclusion of the project. We were created in the image of God who is the ultimate Creator. If it's been a while since you have created something, think about what you can create. Spend some time creating and you will find a closer connection to the Creator.
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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
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Sunday, July 05, 2015
"When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you!" (NLT) -Deuteronomy 20:1
Sometimes we face challenges today which makes us anxious to live tomorrow. It could be a situation with a coworker, boss, teacher, or even a friend. If we go to bed and wake up with God on our side, we can gain a sense of peace and confidence to tackle the tomorrow.
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We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. (NLT) -Psalm 78:4
The next generation is struggling and looking for guidance. What better way to introduce them to the Lord, than to share your miraculous encounters with the Lord? Over time these harrowing rescues may fade in our memory so write them down with your full emotions. Later we can uncover them to retell the stories. Not only is this an act of worship but it is also a personal reviving of your spiritual walk. Plus, there's the bonus of igniting a desire for the Lord in someone you can influence. Have you shared lately the mighty wonders the Lord has done in your life?
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Saturday, July 04, 2015
I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. (NLT) -Psalm 119:45
When you are driving and find you are driving under the speed limit there is a sense of freedom. There are no worries of wondering what the speed limit is, if you will get caught, or feeling guilty for speeding. Devoting yourself to knowing and honoring God's ways brings freedom in the same way. You can walk confidently with God.
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But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
-Philippians 1:21-23
Philippians 3:20-21
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Friday, July 03, 2015
The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! (NLT) -Psalm 46:6
No matter what is going on around the world, be it rioting, political upheaval, or stock market instability, there is a greater power. We have a Heavenly Father who was, is, and always will be. Presidents and leaders may fall, but our God is eternally powerful. Do not let yourself fall into despair when uncertainty surrounds you. Seek the Lord for confidence in your circumstances. Ask Him to provide comfort and ease your anxiety.
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I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? (NLT) -Psalm 42:2
Are you thirsting for God right now? Thirsting for water is a slow, small feeling that takes root in your tongue that grows until you cannot stand it anymore. In thirsting for God, your days are not quite right and you are wandering aimlessly until you just cannot go further without connecting with God. Quench your thirst and spend some time with God. Read His Words, listen to Him in prayer, or just be still. He is there waiting for you.
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For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
-Philippians 1:21-23
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