Monday, August 31, 2015
"But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored." (NLT) -Nehemiah 1:9
Even if you have done wrong, God will always forgive you, take you back and welcome you with open arms. Is there something shameful in your past you've been carrying around? God can turn your circumstances around and use them to bring honor and glory to His name. Take a step towards returning to God, spend a moment in your Bible reading about God.
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Sunday, August 30, 2015
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. (NLT) -Psalm 51:2-3
Are you carrying around guilt? If so, you haven't fully acknowledged the power of Jesus. If you have already repented of your wrongdoing and asked for His forgiveness, let it go. You need to be free from burdens so you can take up the cross and share your joy with others. Carrying guilt and shame does no one any favors. Christ wants you to be full of His joy!
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Friday, August 28, 2015
Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
-Psalm 3: 1-4
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Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. (NLT) -2 Timothy 2:16
Foolish talk includes talking negatively about another person (gossip) and spreading false information about another person (slander). Instead of worthless talk, set your mind on building up and being a light for others. Not only is this more rewarding, it also leads to a greater sense of inner peace. Are a large portion of the words coming from your mouth considered foolish talk?
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Thursday, August 27, 2015
Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (NLT) -Ephesians 6:11
Do you ever feel vulnerable to attack? Are you afraid that your responses to provocation may cause you to be unrighteous? Don't go into battle unprotected; instead, clothe yourself in God's armor. In verses 14-18, Paul characterizes this armor as truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. He then finishes with the action of praying. Trust that God will equip you with the tools you need.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2015
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time - to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. (NLT) -2 Timothy 1:9
You have been part of God's plan from the very beginning. He's been waiting for you, watching your every move in anticipation, hoping you would come to love Him. He knows you are human, weak, and prone to do the wrong thing, yet He forgives you and takes you back every time. Because of the grace God extends, we must strive to show His love to others by living a holy life. How can you show others the grace of Jesus Christ?
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I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night - but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. (NLT) -Psalm 139:11-12
Are you searching for God but cannot tell if He is answering you? Remember, He is always waiting for you with grace and forgiveness. The question is: are you ready to open the door and invite Him into your life? If you're not sure, try asking yourself if you wish your parents or siblings were saved by Him. If you wish the most meaningful people in your life were saved, it may be a hidden sign of your own faith in God.
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Monday, August 24, 2015
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. (NLT) -Luke 4:1-2
Just as Jesus was tempted by the devil, we too are constantly tempted. Temptation in our lives may not be so obvious because we may be unaware that it’s harming us. It could simply be a lack of appreciation. Sometimes we take things for granted when we feel entitled to something. While the devil wants you to feel entitled, our loving God wants you to count your blessings.
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Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the Law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. (NLT) -Galatians 3:2
Christians believe that entrance into Heaven is not gained through acts of good or by keeping commandments (Law of Moses). Instead, when you make the decision to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, the Holy Spirit enters your heart. This decision gives you eternal life. Have you received the message about Christ?
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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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Sunday, August 23, 2015
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it's here a little while, then it's gone. (NLT) -James 4:14
Tomorrows are easy to take for granted. Just think of all of your yesterdays. But one day your tomorrows will be gone. It's important to live for Christ today. What is living for Christ? It's turning to Him for help. It's showing His love for others. It's trusting that He will provide just enough for today.
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Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
-Psalm 118: 25-29
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Are we not all children of the same father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors? (NLT) -Malachi 2:10
Just as we were under the guidance of our earthly father as children, we should also be obedient to our Heavenly Father. God wants us to love others, even those who are hard to love; forgive others, even those who are hard to forgive; and serve others, even those who are hard to serve. If we practice and believe in these words, it will become easier to honor and obey God. Do something pleasant for someone today and you'll notice that you'll feel closer to your Heavenly Father.
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Saturday, August 22, 2015
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (NLT) -Romans 5:3
We tend to become sad or frustrated when we receive bad news. Always remember that God wants us to appreciate life even when we're going through tough situations. Next time you're in one of those situations, whether a family member is sick, you're out of work, or things just aren't falling into place, remember that God has a bigger plan for you.
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Friday, August 21, 2015
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (NLT) -Philippians 4:8
Ever heard of the saying "You are what you eat?" Well, the same is true with your thoughts; you become what you think. Fixing our thoughts on the positive allows our outlook to be positive, even if we are surrounded by negativity. Paul is trying to show us that we can rise above behaviors we detest. It all starts with thoughts, which lead to actions, and eventually become habits.
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If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. (NLT) -Ecclesiastes 4:10
Work on growing your relationship with someone near to you. Maybe it's a friend, neighbor, sibling, or parent. Maybe it's your spouse, and life events have been pulling the two of you apart. Spend valuable time investing in these relationships, and not only will you get further in life than you would by yourself, but you will feel rewarded in being part of another's life story.
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Wednesday, August 19, 2015
"Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars." (NLT) -Jeremiah 10:2
Most of us would like to know our future. Sometimes we read horoscopes and open our ears to predictions. Yet these things take our hearts away from depending on God for protection. They won't satisfy our soul the way God can. Remember, God is the only one who knows our future. He loves us and will always be with us as long as we invite Him.
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Now I will expose your so-called good deeds. None of them will help you. (NLT) -Isaiah 57:12
Some people believe being a good person will get them to heaven. Good deeds alone don't lead to everlasting life, but faith in God leads to a beautiful life beyond this earth. Faith in God can't be replaced by good deeds. Faith is believing in God and trusting in His goodness. Remember to include God in your daily decisions to grow your relationship with Him.
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Tuesday, August 18, 2015
I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me Lord, for you are a faithful God. (NLT) -Psalm 31:5
Times get tough and life is not easy. Place your faith in God, look to Him for protection. Pray to Him and tell Him your worries. He is always there, faithfully waiting for you to come to Him. If you are having a hard time seeing God's faithfulness, ask Him to open your eyes. Ask Him to show you all that He is doing in your life.
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Monday, August 17, 2015
Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! (NLT) -Luke 12:24
Stock markets crash, jobs are lost, and homes are turned over. Each of these events can be devastating and alter the course of our lives. But if our identity is wrapped up in each of them, we can lose our faith in God. Don't let these earthly events cause you to worry or doubt your Heavenly Father. Your identity rests as a child of God. Remember the raven, who is far less cherished, but to whom God is still faithful.
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Sunday, August 16, 2015
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
-Luke 12:32-34
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"Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead." (NLT) -Joel 2:13
We often portray a fake appearance or act differently to show others a more perfect side of us. While it may make us appear more civil, we still need to work towards a real change in our hearts. Next time you encounter a situation of embellished emotion, try to be aware of it. That acknowledgment is a big step in the right direction.
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Saturday, August 15, 2015
Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? (NLT) -Jeremiah 12:1
God didn't intend for life to be fair. Seeing good things happen to bad people gets disheartening. But God asks us to be patient. After all, He was patient for us to come to know and love Him. If we ask for justice among others we must also ask for justice for ourselves. We, too, may have been evil before we came to know God.
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The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
-Luke 10:17-20
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"They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" (NLT) -Jeremiah 1:19
If you put faith in God, you can live every day with peace and reassurance. Putting your faith in God means you believe He will work for your good. If things don't turn out as expected, He will catch you and provide for you. There is peace knowing your Heavenly Father is looking out for you. If you see a tough day ahead of you tomorrow, just lean on God and shift your worries to Him and your day will be very different.
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Friday, August 14, 2015
"But the richer the people get, the more pagan altars they build. The more beautiful their harvests, the more beautiful their sacred pillars." (NLT) -Hosea 10:1
As we make more money, we tend to spend more money. We must remember that we are merely stewards of "our" riches, as they originated from God. Don't let your riches steal your heart away from Him. If you find this happening, change your outlook on your income. Perhaps God didn't give it to you to consume all of it, perhaps He gave it to you to share and bless others.
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Thursday, August 13, 2015
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (NLT) -Galatians 5:22-23
Ever wonder if someone is a Christian? Take a look at their life. Do they express joy? Do they show love towards everyone? Do they display uncommon gentleness? The above qualities are inherent to the Holy Spirit. While these characteristics may not always be evident, it becomes a reflection of how spending time with God will produce these uncommon characteristics. What about you? Have you been spending time with the Holy Spirit to produce this kind of fruit in your life?
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Tuesday, August 11, 2015
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
-Psalm 121
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Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. (NLT) -Proverbs 22:24-25
It's easy to pick up habits from others, even if we don't notice it. When the people we surround ourselves with are quick-tempered or hot-headed, we may begin to view their behavior as an effective way to get service or attention. But remember, these habits aren't effective at becoming Christlike. Are there particular situations where you become quick-tempered? What can you do to calm your anger in the future?
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Friday, August 07, 2015
Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. (NLT) -Ecclesiastes 10:10
Just like having the right tools makes it easier and faster to get the job done, the same is true with wisdom. We have the choice to work harder or work smarter. Wisdom may not always lead to the easier route, but it will lead you to success. Make sure to ask God to give you wisdom when you seek advice. He will share His wisdom with you.
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Faith's Checkbook: Rules for Prosperity
Josh 1:7 - Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Source: Daily Faith - http://www.youdevotion.com/faith/august/7
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
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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Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. (NLT) -Luke 5:27
When we choose to follow Jesus, little do we realize that we are embarking on an adventure. We will be stepping outside of our comfort zone and we are never the same again. Our Guide provides all of our needs along the way. We just need to be ready and willing when He calls us to follow wherever He leads us. If you feel led to step outside of your comfort zone, but you are hesitating, take a step of faith. Jesus will lead and provide for you.
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Tuesday, August 04, 2015
For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. (NLT) -1 Thessalonians 5:9
After reading through the Old Testament people often mistake God as being quick to anger. This is further from the truth. God saved us by offering up His son as a sacrifice. He did this so that we can have a personal relationship with Him. He hears your prayers and responds to your heart with love. He showers you with blessings and brings healing to your life. Our God chose to save us out of love, not anger. If you see God as an angry God, take a closer look.
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Monday, August 03, 2015
Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. (NLT) -Ephesians 5:17
When we find ourselves in difficult situations, it's always comforting we can turn to God for His guidance. But sometimes, we turn to Him casually, almost an afterthought. In times when we truly seek out His plan for our lives and put great thought into it, clarity comes. It's a process where God teaches us important lessons. If you are struggling and looking for what the Lord wants you to do, put some thought into God's promises and He will be there with you.
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Sunday, August 02, 2015
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. (NLT) -Habakkuk 2:3
It's difficult emotionally when we're being mistreated or harmed by others. It happens regularly at our work and even in our homes. Our humanly instinct is to immediately attack back or get revenge. However, that's not what God has planned for us. Wait patiently, allowing God to levy punishment on His time. God wants us to pray for our enemies, not harm them.
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Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. (NLT) -Psalm 107:2
What a delightful feeling it is when we realize we have been redeemed by the Lord. These are the blessings we have received from God, but are not deserved. Our stories have a way of uplifting others as they are able to relate to our experiences. Some of the greatest Bible heros recounted the blessings of God for all to hear. Use your story to encourage others who are struggling on their journey.
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Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. (NLT) -Psalm 107:2
What a delightful feeling it is when we realize we have been redeemed by the Lord. These are the blessings we have received from God, but are not deserved. Our stories have a way of uplifting others as they are able to relate to our experiences. Some of the greatest Bible heros recounted the blessings of God for all to hear. Use your story to encourage others who are struggling on their journey.
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