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| RO Church; Daily Bread | |
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| Topic Started: Jan 31 2005, 02:08 PM (2,186 Views) | |
| Counterfeit | Jan 31 2005, 02:08 PM Post #1 |
No, Not Yet....
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Using the devotionals: 1. pray to God that He will help u understand what is written in the bible through the help of the holy spirit. 2. read the chosen scripture passage. 3. read the devotional. 4. reflect on what it is trying to tell u. i hope that this will be a blessing to all of you as the new year starts. God bless! January 30, 2005 Picking Daisies Read: Romans 8:31-39 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! —1 John 3:1 Bible In One Year: Exodus 8-10 I can recall when in grade school my eyes first met those of a brown-eyed girl seated a couple of rows away from me. It's hard to put into words, but something happened. It was my first case of "puppy love." Those were the days when we'd take a daisy and pluck off its petals one by one, all the while saying with a certain person in mind, "She loves me, she loves me not." Oh, how it hurt when the daisy's last petal was "she loves me not." This reminds me of a little girl who came running into the house one morning, sobbing. "What's wrong, dear?" her mother asked. Throwing herself into her mother's arms, she cried, "God doesn't love me anymore." "Of course He does," the mother said reassuringly. "No, He doesn't," the child sobbed. "I know He doesn't because I tried Him with a daisy." The only reliable way to know that God loves us is to consider everything He does for us each day. And if there's still any doubt, think of what He did to save us! The Bible says, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:. We can be confident of God's unfailing love because He has proven it beyond all question. Yes, His love is a sure thing. —Richard De Haan I am so glad that our Father in heaven Tells of His love in the Book He has given; Wonderful things in the Bible I see— This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. —Bliss God loves each one of us as if there were but one of us to love. |
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| Counterfeit | Jan 31 2005, 02:13 PM Post #2 |
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No, Not Yet....
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January 31, 2005 A Vase Full Of Good Intentions Read: James 4:13-17 To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. —James 4:17 Bible In One Year: Exodus 11-13 In a Peanuts cartoon by Charles Schulz, Marcie gives her schoolteacher some flowers. Not to be outdone, Peppermint Patty says to the teacher, "I thought about doing the same thing, Ma'am, but I never got around to it. Could you use a vase full of good intentions?" We've all had intentions of doing something good but then failed to follow through. We may want to make a phone call to check up on a friend, or visit a sick neighbor, or write a note of encouragement to a loved one. But we don't take the time. Some people know that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, and they plan to trust in Him someday. Yet they keep putting it off. They may have good intentions, but that won't bring salvation. As Christians, we may say that we want to grow closer to the Lord, but somehow we don't make the time to read the Word of God or to pray. James has some strong words about our problem of not taking action: "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (4:17). Is there something you've been putting off? Write that card or letter today. Visit that sick friend. A vase full of good intentions never brightened anyone's day. —Anne Cetas "I do intend to do Your will" Is what we often tell the Lord, But what will honor Him the most Are deeds of love to back our word. —D. De Haan Good intentions are no good until they are put into action. |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 1 2005, 08:40 AM Post #3 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 1, 2005 A Clear Call Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." —1 Samuel 3:10 Bible In One Year: Exodus 14-17 When George Washington Carver was a student at Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University), he and a friend planned to go as missionaries to Africa. But as his agricultural studies progressed, Carver, a devout Christian, began to sense a different calling from God. When Booker T. Washington asked him to join the faculty of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Carver made it a matter of earnest prayer. In 1896, Carver wrote to Washington: "It has been the one ideal of my life to be of the greatest good to the greatest number of my people possible, and to this end I have been preparing myself for these many years." He pledged to do all he could through the power of Christ to better the conditions of African-Americans in the racially segregated South. Carver's sensitive heart and willing obedience to God bring to mind the experience of Samuel. Under the guidance of Eli the priest, Samuel responded to God's voice by saying, "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Samuel 3:10). During a lifetime of service, the distinguished African-American scientist George Washington Carver honored God by obeying His call. He has left a rich legacy and lasting example for us all. —David McCasland Oh, make me, Lord, so much like Thee, My life controlled by power divine, That I a shining light may be From which Thy grace may ever shine. —Robertson A life lived for God leaves a lasting legacy. |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 2 2005, 10:13 AM Post #4 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 2, 2005 My Compliments Read: Colossians 1:3-8 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, . . . since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints. —Colossians 1:3-4 Bible In One Year: Exodus 18-20 When I receive a compliment, it gives me a warm, inner glow. At times I have felt guilty for enjoying a commendation. After all, isn't that a form of pride? But I have concluded that it is not wrong to feel good when we receive a sincere compliment because of something we have done. By finding pleasure in being commended, we allow others to exercise their gift of encouragement. Their words can lift our spirits. We also show that pride hasn't gained the upper hand in our lives when we praise others. A proud person is so preoccupied with himself that he doesn't notice what others do and has no desire to compliment them. Paul freely commended his friends in Colosse because he knew it would encourage them. And we should do likewise. Give people a pat on the back when they deserve it. Compliment the child who does something well. Commend the single mother who regularly brings her children to church. Encourage the man who keeps helping others even though he receives little appreciation from them. Keep trying to please God and the people around you. No need to feel guilty about feeling good when someone compliments you. —Herb Vander Lugt For Further Thought How do I respond when someone commends me? Why is it sometimes hard to accept a compliment? Do I freely praise others for their accomplishments? Praise loudly, blame softly. |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 4 2005, 09:26 AM Post #5 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 3, 2005 The Right Light Read: 1 John 1:1-7 He put the lampstand in the tabernacle of meeting, across from the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. —Exodus 40:24 Bible In One Year: Exodus 21-24 Eating in the dark is no fun. Low light in a restaurant is one thing; eating in a room with no light at all is another. The same is true in our walk with God. Unless we take advantage of the light He gives, we will miss seeing what He is doing for us. We have an Old Testament picture of this—the tabernacle. As the priest entered a room called the Holy Place, he could see only by the light of a golden lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40). Like everything else in the room, it had been carefully fashioned according to the pattern God gave Moses (v.40). The lampstand is a picture of spiritual light. The gold speaks of value. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The six branches coming out from the center shaft portray unity in plurality. The symbol of the almond blossom is linked to God's anointed priesthood (Numbers 17:1-8). When all this is combined with a New Testament reference that uses a golden lampstand to represent the church (Revelation 1:20), we have the complete picture. God gives light through the Spirit, who works through His congregation of anointed people (1 Peter 2:9). Yes, the Holy Spirit provides us with the light we need. Are we daily spending time in prayer and reading God's Word so that we can take advantage of it? —Mart De Haan Holy Ghost, with light divine, Shine upon this heart of mine; Chase the shades of night away, Turn my darkness into day. —Reed The light of God's holiness convicts the sinner and guides the saint. |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 4 2005, 09:28 AM Post #6 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 4, 2005 The Obedience Factor Read: Matthew 3:13-17 Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. —Matthew 3:15 Bible In One Year: Exodus 25-27 Dewey VanderVelde refused to be baptized. He steadfastly resisted, even when his wife and daughters were baptized one Sunday afternoon. Years later, his pastor preached on the baptism of Jesus. He pointed out that John the Baptist initially refused to baptize Jesus, but Jesus said, "It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15). The pastor then added this comment: "If Jesus obeyed the will of the Father, so should we." After the message, Dewey asked to be baptized. He said that he should have obeyed the Lord's command much sooner, and he regretted having been so stubborn. The issue, of course, was more than just baptism; it was obedience. The same may be true for us. We may be stubbornly disobeying the Lord in a certain area of our life—lying, cheating, stealing at work, not giving to the Lord. Here's what we must face: Jesus obeyed the Father in everything. His submission took Him from the height of popularity to abandonment. It took Him from public adoration to solitary suffering. It took Him to Pilate's judgment hall, the terrible road to Calvary, the cross, and the tomb. Let it be today that we willingly decide to obey the Lord in everything. —Dave Egner O give us strength to quench the urge To do things our own way; And help us, Lord, to heed Your Word, Its precepts to obey. —Sper True faith will obey without delay. |
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| mud | Feb 4 2005, 10:38 PM Post #7 |
Metaling
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[-0< Thank you Lord for... The Friends we earned here in RO... The wisdom we got to guide them... And the Technology to keep it running... Good night... |
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| rhapsody | Feb 4 2005, 10:56 PM Post #8 |
I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.
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How to Face your Future By Rick Warren "Decide to make the most of each moment this year." No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen in the next 365 days. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses. Changes in our society have not only increased in speed and intensity, but also in their unpredictability. Doing business in this environment is what Michael Annison calls "Managing the Whirlwind." How can anyone -- including ministers -- succeed when the future is so uncertain? The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing your future: Include God in your goal-setting. Frankly, it's dumb to make plans without consulting God first. He's the only one who DOES know the future -- and he's eager to guide you through it. The Bible says, "We may make our plans, but God has the last word" (Proverbs 16:1, TEV). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, "God, what do YOU want me to do in 2005?" Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can't live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today! The songwriter John Lennon once wrote, "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans." Decide to make the most of each moment this year. Jesus said, "… don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time" (Matthew 6:34, LB). Don’t procrastinate -- do it now! "Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1, NAS) Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you'll do it "one of these days." But "one of these days" is usually "none of these days." What did you plan to get done last year that you didn't do? When do you intend to start working on it? “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV) |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 7 2005, 09:58 AM Post #9 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 5, 2005 The Blackness Of Midnight Read: Revelation 20 They are . . . wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. —Jude 12-13. Bible In One Year: Exodus 28-31 Through the years, the memory of our descent into that pit has reminded me again and again of Jesus' words concerning the lost, who are "cast out into outer darkness" (Matthew 8:12). As terrifying as it was to be in that cave for just a few moments, imagine what it would be like for eternity! We don't hear much about hell these days. But that doesn't mean there is no such place. Have you ever thought about where you will spend eternity? According to the Scriptures, you will spend it in one of two places—either heaven or hell. If you have never made sure of heaven, why not pray something like this right now: "Lord Jesus, I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again from the dead. I now receive You as my Savior. I don't want to be lost. I want to go to heaven. Save me!" Jesus promised, "The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37). —Richard De Haan Be not afraid of the darkness— Even the darkness of night; Trusting in Christ brings salvation— You will be walking in light. —Hess Every sinner must be pardoned or punished. |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 7 2005, 10:00 AM Post #10 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 6, 2005 God's Description Of Himself Read: Exodus 33:18-34:8 The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious. —Exodus 34:6 Bible In One Year: Exodus 32-34 The prayers of young children show us what they think of God. Here are two I read recently: "Dear God, what does it mean that You are a 'jealous' God? I thought You had everything." "I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset You made on Tuesday. That was cool." These children are right to think of God as the owner and creator of everything, the One who can paint beautiful sunsets. But how does God describe Himself? Moses needed an answer to that question when he was about to lead the Israelites into the wilderness. He wanted to be assured of God's presence and leading, so he asked Him to reveal Himself (Exodus 33:13,18). In response, God came down in a cloud and said: "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, . . . by no means clearing the guilty" (34:5-7). He is good. He is also just. We too can know this God. He won't come down in a cloud, but He has revealed Himself to us in His Word—the Bible. We can ask Him to make Himself real to us as we read and study it. We'll learn that He is even more than the the owner and creator of everything. —Anne Cetas Sing praise to God who reigns above, The God of all creation, The God of power, the God of love, The God of our salvation. —Schütz In a world of superlatives, God is the greatest. |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 7 2005, 10:02 AM Post #11 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 7, 2005 "Soft Time" Read: Galatians 3:26-4:7 When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. —Galatians 4:4 Bible In One Year: Exodus 35-37 After studying the behavior of thousands of cell-phone users, James Katz, a professor of communication at Rutgers University, has concluded that the cell phone has changed the nature of the way we think of time. Researchers now speak of the US as living in "soft time." This term has been coined to describe the thinking of a cell-phone user who calls at 8:20 to say he will be late for the 8:30 meeting, arrives at 8:45, and considers himself on time because he called ahead. Unlike us, God is always on time. While we may struggle to understand why He doesn't act in world events or in our personal lives as speedily as we think He should, the Bible proclaims the punctuality of the Almighty according to His plan. Galatians 4:4-5 says, "When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." And Romans 5:6, "When we were still without strength, in due time [at just the right time] Christ died for the ungodly." We can trust this same wise and loving God, who has never been late in His eternal plan, to be right on time in every detail of our lives. —David McCasland God's thoughts are above human knowledge— He moves in mysterious ways To work out eternity's purpose Through time's short procession of days. —Stiefel God's timing is always right. |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 8 2005, 09:32 AM Post #12 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 8, 2005 What's The Connection? Read: Colossians 3:1-14 Whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, . . . meditate on these things. —Philippians 4:8 Bible In One Year: Exodus 38-40 The image on the TV screen captures our attention and we sit down to watch. As we flip from channel to channel, is there any connection between what we decide to watch and what is in our heart? Does our faith in Christ have anything at all to do with our TV choices? In a world of falling standards, we must think through this question: How does our relationship with Christ affect our TV viewing habits? One secular writer speaking about today's television programs said, "The notion of indecency has become obsolete." He is suggesting that a standard has been pushed aside. What is that standard? I believe it's the moral standard found in biblical teaching. Most TV productions are not governed by the guidelines God wants us to follow. The Bible tells us, "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8). It's hard to do that when we're being bombarded by the ungodly images presented on television. Let's ask God to help us make godly choices in what we watch on TV. —Dave Branon Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny. —Anon. Character is formed by making choices in one direction |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 9 2005, 09:38 AM Post #13 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 9, 2005 Fast Freeze Read: Deuteronomy 9:9-16 Go down quickly from here, for your people whom you brought out of Egypt have . . . quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. —Deuteronomy 9:12 Bible In One Year: Leviticus 1-4 Thanks to Internet technology, I can watch ice building up on Lake Michigan from my warm office 30 miles away. The changing angle of the sun's rays in winter chills the earth. Frigid temperatures turn surging water into rock-hard ice in a surprisingly short time. Witnessing this rapid transition reminds me of how quickly our hearts can turn cool toward God. That happened to the ancient Israelites. After God miraculously rescued them from slavery, they became impatient when Moses climbed Mt. Sinai to meet God and didn't return according to their timetable. So they got together and created their own god (Exodus 32:1). The Lord told Moses to hurry back down the mountain because the people had so quickly turned away (Deuteronomy 9:12). When situations don't unfold according to our timetable, we might assume that God has lost interest in us. When we no longer feel close to Him, our hearts may grow cold. But God is always with us. As the psalmist wrote, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" (Psalm 139:7). Even when God seems distant, He's not. His presence fills heaven and earth (vv.8-10). There's never a reason to let our hearts freeze over. —Julie Ackerman Link Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, With all Thy quickening powers; Kindle a flame of sacred love In these cold hearts of ours. —Watts The question is not where is God, but where isn't He? |
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| BlitzKreig™ | Feb 9 2005, 09:42 AM Post #14 |
Stainer
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AMEN! [-0< |
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| rhapsody | Feb 9 2005, 09:50 AM Post #15 |
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I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.
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thanks for the nice inspiration counter |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 9 2005, 09:52 AM Post #16 |
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No, Not Yet....
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Dont mention it. ;) |
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| rhapsody | Feb 9 2005, 08:26 PM Post #17 |
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I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.
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i just like it ;) |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 10 2005, 09:40 AM Post #18 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 10, 2005 Living In Retirement Read: Philippians 1:12-21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. —Philippians 1:21 Bible In One Year: Leviticus 5-7 As our plane landed at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, applause broke out among a group of airline employees. I thought this was a bit unusual, until I was told that the pilot had just completed the last flight of his career. He would retire the next day, and his colleagues were expressing their happiness for him. For many people, retirement means doing what they have always wanted to do—fish, golf, travel. Others work hard to retire early so they can enjoy the fruit of their labor while still young and healthy. The Christian looks at retirement differently. An elderly friend who loves the Lord put it this way: "Tonight, I will retire to my bed. Tomorrow morning, should the Lord give me life to live, I will wake up and serve Him." He had Paul's perspective: "To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Paul's sole purpose was to glorify Christ. Whatever came of suffering, inprisonment, or hardship was another opportunity to further the gospel and live for Him. There is always work to be done for the Lord. As long as we live, Christ can work in and through us if we adopt Paul's outlook on life and death. For him, there was no retirement from serving the Lord. —Albert Lee Growing old but not retiring, For the battle still is on; Going on without relenting Till the final victory's won. —Anon. Retirement from our jobs—yes. Retirement from serving Christ—never! |
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| Counterfeit | Feb 11 2005, 04:28 PM Post #19 |
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No, Not Yet....
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February 11, 2005 Love's Check List Read: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind. —1 Corinthians 13:4 Bible In One Year: Leviticus 8-10 A woman named Nancy uses verses from 1 Corinthians 13 to help her cope with the frustrations of a busy family life. She calls verses 4 to 7 "Love's Check List" and refers to it when anger wells up within her. Nancy gave an example of how she uses her check list. She was running errands one morning before she and her family were to leave on vacation. Her husband Bill was at home caring for the children and getting things ready for an early afternoon departure. When she arrived home after stopping at the grocery store, her mother's house, the post office, the bank, and the hospital to visit a friend, she found that all he had accomplished the entire morning was to wash and polish his car—which they weren't even taking on the trip! Nancy was angry and said some harsh things to Bill. Within a few minutes the words of Love's Check List came to mind: "Love suffers long and is kind." She prayed, then she apologized to her husband for her angry outburst. He said he was sorry too, and they left that afternoon for their vacation—just a little late. Next time you say angry, bitter things, remember Love's Check List in 1 Corinthians 13. Better yet, consider it before you say them. —Dave Egner Lord, fill our hearts with Christlike love, With goodness, kindness, care, Lest bitter thoughts and hurtful words Will find a welcome there. —D. De Haan Bitter feelings can be sweetened when we take them to the Lord in prayer. |
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| rhapsody | Feb 12 2005, 08:41 PM Post #20 |
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I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.
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just right for me :lol: |
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