Indicators Of Greatness

I love this little devotional. 

It's great information and a starting point on what greatness is. 

This devotional is a tangible starting point in starting a study on what it takes to be great and when you come right down to it, greatness isn't at all that hard to achieve. The biggest obstacle? Your mind and what you think about yourself and others.

All that truly matters is how God see you, and to Him, you've been made great by excepting of what His son died for.

God Bless.

Indicators of Greatness

“…but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” Daniel 11:32, KJV.

Great Activity

The enemy wouldn’t be fighting you so hard if you didn’t have something of great value inside of you. Even in this, know that it is not the activity of the enemy that indicates greatness, but the activity of God in your heart and life. Let Him continue His work in you.

Great Passion

When the fire within you is greater than the fire that surrounds you, you are headed towards great things for God’s glory.

Great Obedience

You are headed towards greatness when you can’t rest until you do what God is prompting you to do, even the smallest command. Know that there’s a special grace to do what He said, right at the moment when He said it.

Great Love

Your desire to please God must be greater than your desire to be hurt and angry.

Great Boldness

Even though you feel scared, choose to do it anyway–shaking and all. Don’t wait to feel brave. Obey God and bravery will come. You will grow more fearless with every victory.

Great Solutions

Don’t sit around complaining about the problem; be solution-oriented. Spend 10% of your conversation talking about the problem, and 90% of time discussing the solution.

Great Perseverance

With every challenge, become stronger. What the enemy meant for your bad, God will turn it around for your good.

Great Light

Let Him flood every dark and hidden place in your heart with His truth. Desire to receive His truth in your inward parts and He will cause you to be a great light in a grossly dark world.

Great Help

God will take you from being Forsaken to being Sought After. Because He has given you an assignment that’s too big for you to do alone, He will bring people to help you do the great work He’s given you.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for speaking directly to my heart. You are great and You are faithful. Have 

Your way in me and be glorified in my life. I receive all that You have waiting for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

________

© 2015 Daughters of the King Daily Devotionals. All Rights Reserved.

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Get Dressed

I know this little devotional is going to seem silly but to me, it potent in my life. 

I have a tendency to want to lay around in pajamas all day. I think to myself, what's the use. No one will see me anyway.

This should show you how down I can and have become. It's not like I don't care but. And that's the problem. There always seems to be a but and not a clear direction and follow threw.

It's a mind problem. I have one of the biggest one there is. Not sure if anyone can match it. What I need to realize is that God is where I am and I'm sure he doesn't like looking at pajamas everyday of the week when He tries to talk with me.  

I need to realize not only do I represent Him when I'm out and about but I also represent Him in my home and who's to say He might want to send someone my way but He can't because I'm to lazy, self-centered, and just a plain blah hum bug. 

So, let's get dressed and give God the best.

God Bless.

Get Dressed

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” Colossians 3:12-14.

When I wake up each morning, one of the first things I do is get dressed. I choose clothes which fit the weather, the day’s plans, and my mood. There is one outfit that never fails to look and feel amazing on me. It works for every mood, every possible weather scenario, and every single type of event. Do you have that outfit too?

The Bible tells us about this perfect outfit in Colossians 3:12-14. We should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It’s the most beautiful outfit, and it will get us the most wonderful compliments every time we choose to wear it. And you know the best part? Christ wore the same one!

What is the purpose of clothing? To cover us. To shelter us from the elements of the world. To keep us protected and unashamed. When we wear these characteristics on a daily basis, we are better equipped to handle anything that comes our way – including forgiving those with which we may have grievances. But just in case we are still worried, verse 14 takes care of that. Over everything, we will put on love, and love will bind everything together in perfect unity.

The next time you are getting dressed, as you put on your physical clothes – meditate on these verses. Then take a look in the mirror. I promise you – you’ve never looked better!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient! Thank you that you live out these characteristics perfectly. Help me to stay reminded to dress myself properly daily. Today, I put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. In Jesus’ name, Amen

________

© 2015 Daughters of the King Daily Devotionals. All Rights Reserved.

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Our Priceless Bodies

Our Priceless Bodies

I have a problem with my body. I don't like it. I've got some form of genetic disorder that makes me look like I'm a freak.

So when I came across this little devotional, I immediately began to cry. I've never thought of my body and the way I am in the content of the words below. I need to change my thinking and I know I can't do that over night because every day, the disorder is still there. 

Is the problem with me? Or is there something more God wants to do where my body is concern? I'm hoping it's the latter. But I also am not stupid when it concerns the mind. 

So maybe if I take the first step and work on myself and the image I have of myself, maybe within the near future, my plans and God's plans for my body will line up and who knows what could happen. The possibilities are endless. 

God Bless.

My Father has made me.

Let’s look for a moment at something the Bible says about the material out of which the human body is made. Some of you probably do not know that the Bible has quite a lot to say about that.

It always grieves me when Christians downgrade their own bodies and talk about them as if they were inferior or of little importance. Brothers and sisters, our bodies are miracles. If your car was totaled in a wreck and you had to replace it, all you would need is a certain amount of dollars and you could purchase a new car. But if you injure even one eye, there is no way you can pay for a new eye. It is priceless. So it is with every other major organ of the body. It grieves me when I see Christians taking more care of their cars than they do of their bodies. That is a very foolish scale of values.

Psalm 139 is a psalm that David wrote as a meditation on the marvels of his own body. David said to the Lord,

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:14)

David was talking about his physical body. I wonder if you would agree to say those same words about your own body. It would change the attitude of some of you. Some Christians are almost burdened down with their bodies. They seem to wish that they did not have the problem of a body. That is a false viewpoint. Say these words aloud right now: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Thank You, Lord, for Your work in me. I proclaim that my body is priceless, and I say, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” My Father has made me. Amen. 

Author Unknown

Have you ever really truly considered the power of the word of God?

Not only how much power the written word has to changes our life's but the person who is the word of God.

We truly don't understand the differences between the two and how much we can't have one without the other. Life is truly hanging in the balance and is waiting for someone to share just how much God loves people.

And to do this, let us begin by introducing ourselves as well as others to the bible and live a life according and when we do, the Man on whom all things belongs to will being to manifest Himself in a way that will change the direction this world has been going.

Let it start right here, right now.

God Bless.

DEVOTIONAL FOR SEPTEMBER 25

Life Hangs on the Word of God

John Piper
He said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”(Deuteronomy 32:46–47)

The Word of God is not a trifle; it is a matter of life and death. 

If you treat the Scriptures as a trifle or as empty words, you forfeit life.

Even our physical life depends on God’s Word, 

because by his Word we were created (Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 11:3)

and “He upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3).

Our spiritual life begins by the Word of God: 

“Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth” (James 1:18). 

“You have been born again . . . through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).

Not only do we begin to live by God’s Word, 

but we also go on living by God’s Word: 

“Man shall not live by bread alone, 

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3).

Our physical life is created and upheld by the Word of God, 

and our spiritual life is quickened and sustained by the Word of God. 

How many stories could be gathered to bear witness to the 

life-giving power of the Word of God!

Indeed, the Bible is “no empty word for you” — it is your life! 

The foundation of all joy is life.

 Nothing is more fundamental than sheer existence — 

our creation and our preservation.

All this is owing to the Word of God’s power. 

By that same power, he has spoken in Scripture for the creation 

and sustenance of our spiritual life. 

Therefore, the Bible is no empty word, but is your very life — 

the kindling of your joy!

From Desiring God, page 145

Jesus Our Example

Do you ever wish you go have an example to go by when your trying to solve a math problem or learning a new subject? I do. When I was in school, I always did better if I had something I could physically see on how to do what I was working on.

I haven't changed much. I still find it helpful to have a visual handy on whatever subject matter I'm working on. As in basic life, Jesus is and will always be an example that we can put our faith and trust in to help get us through anything life throws at us.

And I don't know about you, but I find the prospects very comforting and motivating. Motivating me to continue on and plunge ahead to live a the life God has intended me to live.

God Bless.


Jesus Our Example

Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God

- Mark 10:18

While some have misunderstood this passage to teach that Jesus did not claim to be God, it is actually one of the brightest displays of his divinity. By demonstrating an unyielding passion for the glory of God, Jesus showed himself to be more than human and exactly like God.

If there is one root cause behind every sin, it is pride. Every human being is by nature self-centered and self-exalting. We always want people to speak well and think well of us. We hunger for the compliments and admiration of others.

Yet Jesus was the only person who has ever lived who actually deserved the praise and accolades of everyone else. Being the God-man, Jesus rightly deserves the praise and worship that should only be given to the triune God.

But we find a consistent thread throughout the life and teaching of Jesus -- it was his great concern, not to garner glory and honor for himself, but to give it to his heavenly Father (and point others to do the same). This divine humility and unbending insistence on God-exaltation is one of the clearest indicators of Jesus' deity.

Jesus, in effect, is saying to the man who called him good: "if you understood just how good God is, then you would not flippantly call any man good without a much more thorough investigation into his teaching and life."

Have you learned this unabated lesson from Jesus' life, that all glory belongs to God? Do you point others constantly to him as the source of perfect goodness and all truth? Do you insist on His fame, rather than your own?

 http://baptistbiblehour.org

Going On To Pentecost

This is a great devotional on Pentecost and what it truly mean and why it's important. 

I also know that Pentecost is over but it never hurts to be prepared for next year and the more you know, understand, the likely we falter. 

Besides, Pentecost is a picture of what Jesus did for us, and who could use a reminder of what He done every day.

God Bless

Going on to Pentecost

I have received the Spirit of sonship, and by Him, I cry, “Abba, Father.”
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:16)

Let me point out one simple, historic fact—a conclusion at which most sound Bible scholars have arrived. There is a direct correspondence in time periods between the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt and the experience of the early Christians.

The Passover lamb’s execution corresponds to the day on which Jesus died.

The crossing of the Red Sea corresponds to Jesus’ resurrection from the grave.

The receiving of the Law at Mount Sinai, fifty days after the Passover, corresponds to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost.

I point this out because when you have been delivered through the blood and through the resurrection of Jesus, you have two choices: you can go to Sinai, or you can go to Pentecost. Quite a lot of people go to Sinai—they go back under the law. They “receive the spirit of bondage again to fear” (verse 15). But Paul said, in essence, “You have not received a spirit of bondage to fear; you have received the Spirit of adoption, who tells you that you are a child of God.”

Thank You, Father, that I am Your child. I proclaim that I have not received a spirit of bondage again to fear, but a spirit of adoption, which tells me that I am a child of God. I have received the Spirit of sonship, and by Him, I cry, “Abba, Father.” Amen. 

Author Unknown 

Led By The Spirit

One of my goals is to be led by the Spirit more than being led by my brain.

1. I'm not there yet. Not even by a long shot but I have hope and I'm not living under condemnation like I use to be.

I love this devotional because it's encouragement based and not condemnation based where I'm not good enough.

God Bless.

Led by the Spirit

I have received the Spirit of sonship, and by Him, I cry, “Abba, Father.”

There is a popular teaching that convinces people that they must be super-spiritual to be considered sons of God. But Paul contradicted this idea in the eighth chapter of Romans, where he wrote that all who are led regularly by the Holy Spirit are indeed sons of God. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). In one sense, if you are already perfect, you do not need the Holy Spirit. You need the Holy Spirit, though, if you are to become perfect.

The way to live as a real son or daughter of God is to be led regularly by the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice,...and they follow Me” (John 10:27). By “hear,” Jesus meant regularly hear, regularly follow. This is not an up-and-down, once a week process; rather, it is a regular, continuing relationship.

Paul continued in Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” The “spirit of bondage,” very simply, is the law. Instead of being bound by the law, you have received the Spirit of God, who assures you of your identity as a child of God. As a child of God, you have all the rights of the inheritance. Paul assured us, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our [regenerated] spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs [inheritance is the subject]; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (verses 16–17).

Many people receive assurance of being children of God only when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes in to assure you that you are a child of God and that you have a legal right to your inheritance. You are not merely born, but you are also adopted, and this passage clearly connects adoption and inheritance.

Derek Prince Ministries

5 Stages of Growing Through Life Challenges

This little devotional packs a powerful punch especially when you are right in the middle of a storm and you just don't know what to do and you feel like your world has just came to an end.

This little devotional gives you a checklist of all the things one feels and goes unspoken.

But you know, I know a God who doesn't get upset when we question Him or when we scream at Him, or even when you tell Him to go to hell.

Surely, I can't be the only one who has ever question God and His way's.

I know a lot of people think it's not Christian if you question and you should just take the storm and blah, blah, and blah.

However, if your a real person with real emotions, you've broken down, and threw a temper tantrum.

Know it's okay and God's not mad. He loves you more than you can possibly know and life challenges is just part of life and it's okay to deal with what life sets before you like the person you are and it helps if you have encouragement like this little devotional.

God Bless.

"5 Stages of Growing Through Life Challenges"

When we face life challenges, we must find a way not only to survive them, but in time, to actually grow from them. We must find a way to keep on keeping on, no matter how hard or painful life becomes. As a result, we can avoid getting "stuck" and live life in spite of our circumstances.

It is my prayer and hope that you will consider the following principles and apply them to your particular life challenge(s). It may be a difficult time in your life right now, and it may take a significant amount of time to make progress, but if you start right where you are, and just concentrate on taking the very next step, you will eventually be able to grow through your life challenge as well.

Step by step...we can do this!

1. Grieve the way you want -Know what to expect -Don't ignore your grief -Don't let anyone take your grief away from you -Run to Jesus -Be determined to keep on keeping on daily

2. Ask God "Why?" -When the pain is deep, "Why?" is the most natural question to ask -Jesus Christ asked God "Why?" -God does not owe you an answer -Even if He gave you an answer, you would more than likely disagree -As we search for the answer, our goal is to develop a relationship with The Answer

3. Keep living -Never use your life challenge as a crutch -Get out of bed every day -Keep up family responsibilities and relationships -Be grateful for those who are still alive in your life -Treasure the breath of life you have at this moment

4. Reach out to others -Remember the love, encouragement, and comfort you have received -Pass it on -It is extra meaningful to receive encouragement from others who are also hurting -Turn on your microphone -Have an outreach plan, and in reach plan, if necessary

5. Sing it loud and proud -Never waste your life challenge education -Take inventory of the treasures God has given you -Life a life of significance from this day forward -Rediscover your melody -Sing through the storm, like never before.

Singing Through The Storm Devotional

Pray At All Times

Sometimes, I think we have a bad picture of what prayer is. Or at least I have had. I'm now seeing prayer in a different light. It's not about praying three hours a day but just having a conversation with God not matter where your at, who you are with, or what your going through.

Prayer is not only praying about the things you feel important but also taking up God's heart and talking to him about what matters to Him and most of the time, you will find, it's about people and what their going through at that given time.

God Bless.

Pray at All Times

by Joyce Meyer

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
—Ephesians 6:18

In Ephesians 6:10-17, the apostle Paul talks about the armor of God and how we are to use it and the weapon of the Word to engage in spiritual warfare. After each piece has been listed, in verse eighteen Paul sums up his message by saying, Pray at all times. How often are we to pray? At all times.

What does that mean? Does it mean that when we are out doing the grocery shopping and God puts it on our heart to pray we are to drop to our knees right there in the middle of the supermarket aisle? I often kneel by my bed and pray. There are other times when I feel led by God to lie down, face to the floor, before Him and pray. We have to be careful not to confuse physical posture with prayer. We can also pray silently in the supermarket as we are walking down the aisles.

In the different seasons of life we are able to pray in different ways. A young mother with three or four little children, for example, is going to have to structure her prayer life differently from that of a grandmother whose family is all grown up and out of the house.

If we become too "religious" about prayer, thinking we must do it one way or the other because that is how someone else does it, we will bring condemnation on ourselves. The important thing about prayer is not the posture or the time or place but learning to pray in faith—at all times, unceasingly. Anytime the desire or need arises—pray!

---

From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

7 Reasons Not To Worry, Part 3

This is part 3 of the Not to Worry devotional and its so worth the read!

God Bless.

7 Reasons Not to Worry, 

Part 3

John Piper

“Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘

What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’

For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek;

for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow;

for tomorrow will care for itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31–34)

Matthew 6 contains at least seven promises designed by 

Jesus to help us fight the good fight against unbelief 

and be free from anxiety. 

In Parts 1 and 2 we saw Promises 1–4; now we look at 5–7.

PROMISE #5: Do not be anxious then, saying, 

“What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or 

“With what shall we clothe ourselves?” 

For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; 

for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things 

(Matthew 6:31–32).

Do not think that God is ignorant of your needs. 

He knows all of them. And he is your “heavenly Father.” 

He does not look on, indifferently, from a distance. He cares. 

He will act to supply your need when the time is best.

PROMISE #6: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness; 

and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

If you will give yourself to his cause in the world, 

rather than fretting about your private material needs, 

he will make sure that you have all you need to do his will and give him glory.

This is similar to the promise of Romans 8:32, 

“Will [God] not also with [Christ] freely give us all things?”

PROMISE #7: Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; 

for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own 

(Matthew 6:34).

God will see to it that you are not tested in any given day more 

than you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). He will work for you, 

so that “as [your] days, so shall [your] strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25, KJV).

Every day will have no more trouble than you can bear; 

and every day will have mercies sufficient for that day’s stress 

(Lamentations 3:22–23).

From Future Grace, pages 56–59

7 Reasons Not To Worry, Part 2

This is part 2 of the little devotional about not to worry.

It's so good and hopeful!

God Bless.

7 Reasons Not to Worry, 

Part 2

John Piper

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single

cubit to his life’s span?

And why are you anxious about clothing?

Observe how the lilies of the field grow;

they do not toil nor do they spin,

yet I say to you that even Solomon

in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.

But if God so arrays the grass of the field,

which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace,

will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith?” 

(Matthew 6:27-30)

Matthew 6 contains at least seven promises designed by 

Jesus to help us fight the good fight against unbelief 

and be free from anxiety. 

In Part 1 we saw Promises 1 and 2; today we look at 3 and 4.

PROMISE #3: And which of you by being anxious can 

add a single cubit to his life’s span? 

And why are you anxious about clothing? (Matthew 6:27–28).

This is a promise of sorts — 

the simple promise of reality: anxiety will not do you any good. 

It’s not the main argument, but sometimes 

we just have to get tough with ourselves and say, 

“Soul, this fretting is absolutely useless. 

You are not only messing up your own day, 

but a lot of other people’s as well. Leave it with God and get on with your work.”

Anxiety accomplishes nothing worthwhile.

PROMISE #4: Observe how the lilies of the field grow; 

they do not toil nor do they spin, 

yet I say to you that even Solomon 

in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. 

But if God so arrays the grass of the field, 

which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, 

will he not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? (Matthew 6:28–30).

Compared to the flowers of the field you are a much 

higher priority for God, because you will live forever, 

and can thus bring him eternal praise.

Nevertheless, God has such an overflow of creative energy and care, 

he lavishes it on flowers that last only a matter of days. 

So he will certainly take that same energy and creative skill 

and use it to care for his children who will live forever.

From Future Grace, pages 56–59

7 Reasons Not To Worry, Part 1

I absolutely have gotten so much out of these next few devotionals. 

Worry has to be my number one downfall and I need all the help I can get. 

And I now there is hope for me and if you share this downfall like me or 

if you don't, there is still some great information in this little devotional.

God Bless.

7 Reasons 

Not to Worry, Part 1

John Piper
"For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26)

In Matthew 6 we have the example of anxiety about food and clothing.

Even in America, with its extensive welfare system, 

anxiety over finances and housing can be intense. 

But Jesus says in verse 30 that this stems from 

inadequate faith in our Father’s promise of future grace: 

“O men of little faith.” And so this paragraph has at 

least seven promises designed by Jesus to help us 

fight the good fight against unbelief and be free from anxiety. 

(In Part 1 we look at Promises 1 and 2; then the rest in Parts 2 and 3.)

PROMISE #1: For this reason I say to you, 

do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, 

or what you shall drink; nor for your body, 

as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, 

and the body more than clothing? (Matthew 6:25).

Since your body and your life are vastly more complex 

and difficult to provide than food and clothing are, 

and yet God has, in fact, created and provided you with both, 

then surely he will be able and willing to provide you with food and clothing.

Moreover, no matter what happens, 

God will raise your body some day and preserve your life for 

his eternal fellowship.

PROMISE #2: Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, 

neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, 

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 

Are you not worth much more than they? (Matthew 6:26).

If God is willing and able to feed such insignificant creatures as 

birds who cannot do anything to bring their food into being — 

as you can by farming — then he will certainly provide what you need, 

because you are worth a lot more than birds.

From Future Grace, pages 56–59

Do Yourself A Favor And Forgive

Forgiving has to be one of the hardest things ever. Especially when your the one who is being hurt and you don't understand because you've given it your all.

So, this little devotional helps put forgiveness into perspective and gives some great insight as to what Jesus point was on the topic.

Sometimes, it's hard doing what Jesus did, and believe you me, if Jesus can forgive at the cross, then I can follow in His footsteps.

God Bless.

Do Yourself a Favor and Forgive

by Joyce Meyer -

And should you not have had pity and mercy on your fellow attendant, as I had pity and mercy on you?
- Matthew 18:33

In Matthew 18:23–35, Jesus tells a story about one man who refused to forgive another. At the end, He makes the clear and strong point that those who do not forgive others get "turned over to the torturers" (v.34). If you have, or have ever had, a problem forgiving others, I'm sure you can attest to this truth.

Harboring hateful thoughts and bitterness toward another person in your mind is indeed torturous.

You may have heard the saying, "Refusing to forgive is like drinking poison and hoping it kills the other person." We are not hurting the one who hurt us by being angry at them. The truth is that most of the time people who offend us don't even know how we feel. They go on with their lives while we drink the poison of bitterness. When you do forgive those who offend you, you are actually helping yourself more than you are helping them, so I say, "Do yourself a favor and forgive!"

We think, But, it is so unfair for me to forgive them and then they just have no punishment for what they did. Why should I have the pain while they get the freedom? The truth is that by forgiving, we are releasing them so God can do what only He can do. If I'm in the way—trying to get revenge or taking care of the situation myself instead of trusting and obeying God—He may sit back and allow me to try to handle things in my own strength. But, if I allow Him to deal with those who offend me by forgiving them, He can work good out of it for both parties concerned.

The book of Hebrews tells us that God settles the cases of His people. When we forgive, we put God on the case (see Hebrews 10:30).

Trust in Him Is there a situation in your life that you are trying to take care of instead of trusting God to work it out? If so, do yourself a favor and forgive so God can settle it.

From the book Trusting God Day by Day by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2012 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

A Good Kind Of Burden

If you ever gotten a funny feeling in your stomach and you don't know why, well, this little devotional by Joyce just might give yo an inclination as to why.

We are living in a time when we had better start listening to the funny feeling that pops up at any given time.

Who knows, by listening to it and getting serious and make intersession before the Lord, you just might have saved a life or maybe your the person who's prayers could change the world.

God Bless.

A Good Kind of Burden

by Joyce Meyer

Graciously consider the prayer and supplication of Your servant, O Lord my God, to hearken to the [loud] cry and prayer which he prays before You today.
—1 Kings 8:28

Sometimes, as you are praying for others, you will get what some call a prayer burden, or an intercessory burden. A burden is something that comes to your heart and feels weighty and important; it is something God is asking you to carry in prayer; it is something you cannot shake. Sometimes God may speak to you and explain the burden to you. At other times you do not even know what the burden is or you do not fully understand it; you only know that you have to pray.

Some people are called to pray a lot for certain things. My husband prays a lot for America. I know people who pray for Israel all the time. One woman told me she prayed for veterans returning from war. I believe God has every need in the world covered. We don’t all need to pray for the same thing because, if we did, all the needs would not be taken care of. Pay attention to what God is placing on your heart and pray for that.

One of the ways God speaks to us is through giving us burdens for others. He does this often without words, but by a sense of weightiness and concern for people in our hearts. When this happens, He is asking us to pray for them. Pay attention to the burdens He gives you and be faithful to pray when He is asking you to do so.

God's word for you today: As you pray for others, remember that God also has someone praying for you.

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From the book Hearing from God Each Morning: 365 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2010 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

Who Is Not There

This little devotional is such a thought provoking devotional about who and who isn't at church.

I don't believe you have to go to church to be saved but the word says to gather with others.

However, I think the problem is what do you do with people. And for the people I think the problem is that in most churches they feel unwelcomed.

God, let us grow up! Let us see that all lives matter and let's welcome them in with open arms without a preconceed idea of who they are. 

For who they are are future new people in Christ that just might change the world.

God Bless.

WHO IS NOT HERE?

By Mark Stephensonon Thu, 10 Sep 2015

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:15-24 

The body is not made up of one part but of many. - 1 Corinthians 12:14

Some people don’t attend church because they sense they are different from everyone else there. Others don’t come because people in the church do not welcome them. If a church really wants to reflect the body of Christ, which is made up of many parts, they need to ask themselves regularly, “Who is not here?”

Do people from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds attend? About 20 percent of the population has disabilities; do 20 percent of the people at your church have visible or “invisible” disabilities? Do people who have been in prison feel welcome? People from a variety of social classes? Single adults? Poor people? Rich people?

In Jesus’ parable, the servants are sent out to “compel” people to come. God calls us to do the same in our churches. We must work to welcome people who feel that they don’t fit. We need to consider how we might need to change our relationships, our ways of interacting, our worship, so that people who are typically excluded will find they are welcome and needed by our churches.

Every church excludes people. Whom is your church excluding, and what changes do you need to make so that they will feel welcome? How can your church actively invite people who are not attending?

Prayer:

Welcoming Savior, you welcomed people who were looked down upon by society. In the same way, teach me to welcome people much different from my “own kind” into my life and my church. In your name, Amen.

Mark Stephenson

God's Word

It's so important we know and understand the meaning and power behind God's word.

I have in no way got a taste of all it the promises, the meaning, and everything in between this book contains.

However, I get up everyday with a desire to mark it up, find the answers I need, and to read a continuous love letter that never gets old.

It contains wisdom, the future, the past, and the meaning of life. So together, let's dust it off and make a pack that we will never just make it another book that belongs on a book shelve.

The word of God is indeed a book for the ages.

God Bless.

God's Word

The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

- Hebrews 4:12

Notice first that the Word of God is quick, or alive. It always is (present tense) alive. God's Word will always be true; it is alive forever. And therefore God's Word is always relevant, never just a dead carcass, a used up and empty vessel from the past. It is the living, breathing truth of God. And, as Psalm 100:5 extols, "His truth endures to all generations."

The Word of God is also powerful. It is, in other words, energetic. It is not only living, but energetically efficacious. God's Word, Paul tells us, "is the power of God unto salvation" to every one that believes (Romans 1:16). Have you ever felt the moving, slicing, energetic operation of God's Word on your heart as you read, or listened to, or meditated on its truth? If so, then you know the dynamic power of God's Word to reach and melt and prick the heart.

But it is here compared to a sword -- and elsewhere called a sword (Ephesians 6:17). Why do we need a sword? Because we are in a war. We daily battle, whether courageously or pathetically, the ever-present foes of sin, self, and Satan. We need the spiritual power of God's Word to strengthen us and fight for us against these foes.

Finally, God's Word is called a discerner. The truth of God's Word sifts through and analyzes the myriad of ideas, aspirations, and desires with which we are enticed and, as a qualified and a skilled judge, discerns truth from error, good from bad. It is a wise weapon!

Do you feel the need today for the energetic, discerning work of God's Word upon your heart, directing your ways? The question is asked in Jeremiah 17:9, of the deceptive human heart, "who can know it?" The answer from Hebrews is: "the Word of God can."

 http://baptistbiblehour.org

Love Him For Who He Is

This devotional has a world worth of truth in it. If we treated people like we treat Jesus, this world would be in more trouble than it all ready is.

I love gifts but I also love to give them and what better thing can I give you than Jesus!

And with this little devotional, I give you a glimpse of why He's so important, who He is, and hopefully a hunger to find out about what He's done.

God Bless.

Love Him for Who He Is

September 8

As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.- Isaiah 62:5, NKJV

God loves for us to come to Him and ask Him for things. But I wonder what kind of relationship I would have with my husband if I shared only about fifteen minutes a day with him and spent the first minute or two thanking him for what he had done for me and the rest of the time asking him to do something else for me! I doubt we would have a very good relationship!

My husband wants me to love him simply for who he is. And Jesus Christ, Who is my heavenly Husband, also wants to be loved for Who He is. Not just for what He has done, or may do, but for Who He is in Himself. Would you make time each day to praise Jesus for Who He is?

Read the Bible, gleaning His attributes that you might live your life in praise of Who He is.

From The Vision Of His Glory

• © 2015 Anne Graham Lotz/AnGeL Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

For You Created

Love, love, love, and even more love this little devotional!

Such a great reminder of why we were created.

If your having a bad day, then this is a great way of being reminded that you matter.

Let the words sink into our hearts from this time forth as we continue to grow in our everyday life.

All life matters! We were created for Him and for a bigger purpose. Now that's just plan AWESOME!

God Bless.

Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Remember today that your mind, your heart, all that you are has been uniquely crafted by the God of the Universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is the God who sent His one and only Son to die for our sins, that was His will. It was also His will to raise that Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead to be seated at His right hand in heaven. In an infinitely masterful way you have been created, and our Lord delights in you. 

Praise the Lord today because His signature is all over you! Lord Jesus, dissolve all the damaging lies that seek to deceive us. You are life and You cherish us!

Verse courtesy of 'Psalm-A-Day' android app. http://www.idelata.com/apps/psalm-a-day/

Signs Of Success

Do you know if your successful? Do you know what success is? Have you defind it in your life?

I'm not sure I can answer those questions that would satisfy the deepest part of me.

So when I came across this little devotional I got excited. It put a new outlook into my life what true success should be and I can tell you, it isn't at all what I had in mind.

It's better. And I want to sign up and be a life long member of this success club.

God Bless.

Signs of Success

by Joyce Meyer 

And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.
—Mark 16:17-18

Salvation is in the name of Jesus. You are baptized in that name, both in water and the Holy Spirit. You pray and expect your prayers to be heard and answered in that name. The sick are healed and demons are cast out in that wonderful name.

The early disciples used the name of Jesus, and Satan came against them fiercely. The devil does not want you to start anything of value—and if you do manage to get started, he does not want you to finish. He knows well his time on this earth is quickly running out. Accomplish great things in the name of Jesus and finish strong!

From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce M

It's Been Said

This little devotional speaks so much truth. 

Saying I believe in Christ is indeed easy to do but the hardest thing is living it.

I remember when I was little someone dear to me telling me if your going to talk the talk, make sure you walk the walk.

However, in these days walking with Christ is getting more and more of a challenge. A challenge that shouldn't be taken lightly.

A challenge that's worth it. A challenge that can change your life and give you a deeper meaning if you let it.

God Bless.

It’s been said, inviting Jesus into our lives to be our savior will be one of the easiest things we’ll ever do. 

However, living for Him will be one of the most difficult things we’ll ever do. We are under constant pressure from the world, other people and the culture around us to conform to it’s ways. The demands of life can easily defeat us. 

This is why it is so important to realize that we cannot be self-reliant in our Christian life. 

We need God’s mighty power to help us remain strong in our faith. We must remember the devil is out to “kill, steal and destroy.”

He works overtime to design strategies that will trip us up when we least expect it. This is why we need to put on “all” of God’s armor so that we can withstand the spiritual attacks from the devil. God’s purpose is that we live a life of victory and maximize our one and only life to it’s full potential. As believers, we are called to make an impact with our lives. 

However, in order to do that effectively, we must “stand firm” so that we can “stand out” for our Lord. 

Mornings with God

A Personal Computer

I always thought I could see myself as a personal computer. I know alot of stuff goes in, but I'm not necessary proud of what comes out.

So when I saw this little devotional, I couldn't wait to see how the author had to say and I must say I was quite impress and moved to dig deeper in my walk.

I love this devotional and wanted to share it. Be aware, for me at least, this was thought provoking, and very timely for me life.

God Bless.

A Personal Computer

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2, NIV

If you ever have dealt with computers, you know that once in a while it needs to be cleaned, non-applicable temp files and folders needs to be removed and a general check for unnecessary data is needed regularly. 

This is what happens to us when we decide to give our lives to Jesus. We need to clear out trash, empty temp folders, add virus detection and in some difficult cases, and just format the whole thing.

Even though computers are nothing compared to God’s precious gift, there are still a lot of similarities. We need to teach our brain new ways of thinking and reacting and we need to get rid of unnecessary baggage and infected files. This is not an easy task or a speedy one either, but essential for us to be able to continue on the faith path. Studying the Bible, praying, worship, Christian support groups and friends will gradually 

learn our brain on how to live this new life. The Holy Spirit is crucial in renewing our minds, He is the one who will do it in cooperation with us. All we need to do is ask Him.

Prayer: Lord, please help me in the renew my mind, so that I can grow up in my faith to be a mature spiritually. Thank you for not leaving me alone with this task, but help me day after day and lead me through Your Word. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

(Read 1 Peter 2:1-3)

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A sincere thanks to our Contributing Devotional Writers.

To give into Daughters of the King International Ministries, Inc., click here. May God bless you in abundance. Love, The DOTK Family

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