From Worthy Ministries - Daily Devotion
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We've all heard the word "nesting" but have we ever taken a close look at true nesting in action? This is neat.
When a mother eagle starts building her nest, she begins using items we wouldn't at all expect for such a job — sharp thorns, broken branches, rocks. Later, she places on top of it a layer of wool, feathers, and fur from animals she has killed, making it soft and comfortable for her eggs. Her eggs eventually hatch and her little ones grow to flying age. As with any creature, growing up is never an easy thing. That's precisely when mom begins "stirring up the nest." With her strong talons, she begins pulling up the thick carpet of fur and feathers, bringing the sharp rocks and branches to the surface. As more of the bedding gets plucked up, the nest becomes more uncomfortable for the young eagles. Eventually, this and other urgings prompt the little eagles to leave their once-comfortable abode and move on to bigger and better things like learning to fly and eventually making homes and families for themselves.
I think some of us may have gotten a little too comfortable in our nests. We've had all the warmth, comfort and free meals we could want but all good things come to better things, with the Lord! It's time we learned to fly!
Let's not be bitter at the Lord for plucking up our comfortable nests. He wants us to be all that we can be! He wants us to accomplish all the things He has for us — to reach our fullest potential — to experience the amazing sensation of flying, even soaring, high above our problems and issues and whatever other distractions hold us back from growing up in Him. Let's take the leap of faith today.
From Worthy Ministries - Daily Devotion
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
One of the greatest stories of the Bible is David and Goliath. It's such a good story, in fact, that the world has come to make common use of it! A prime example of this is when the underdog faces an invincible champion in just about any sport on national television, commentators always seem to make mention of David and Goliath.
Imagine the scene at the time of David. The children of Israel were small compared to the Philistines (incidently, they are still small today — there are very few tall people in Israel!). And here they are faced with this enormously frightening giant, Goliath, champion of the Philistines.
All the Israelites shook in their sandals, saying Goliath's too big for us to hit! All but one — young little David. Instead of fearing Goliath's enormity, David saw his size to be an advantage! He said, on the contrary — Goliath is too big to miss! That day, David became a hero for the Israelites and his name would be remembered well –even to this day.
It all depends on our point of view — the way we see our circumstances. We can either walk in doubt, asking "Can God do this thing?" or walk in faith, proclaiming "God surely will!"
We all have some scary Goliaths to face in our lives. You may be facing one right now. Have faith, my friend! In our greatest distresses God wants to show Himself powerful! Let's walk in faith for His victory!
From Worthy Ministries - Daily Devotion
John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
An ancient story in Church history tells of the apostle John. He would constantly repeat the words, "Little children, love one another." And his disciples became weary of the phrase. Finally, in his old age, as John was being carried to their assembly, the disciples asked him, "Why do you always repeat these same words?" "Because friends," John replied, "it is the Lord's commandment — and if only this one were fulfilled, it would be enough."
What is the greatest witness we Christians have to the world around us? I can tell you it's not only our words of wisdom, though they may be wonderful. It's not only our knowledge of the Scripture, though it may be vast. It's not only our material giving, though it may be great.
The greatest witness we have is the kind of love that the Bible defines above. Have we been patient and kind with others? Perhaps instead, we've been envious, boastful, proud, rude, self seeking or easily angered. I know I have. Have we kept a record of wrongs? Have we we delighted in evil? Uggh. When we express the true love of God, we always rejoice in the truth, protect, trust, hope and persevere.
Love never fails. Love can turn evil to good, darkness into light and enemies to friends. True love can totally transform the world around us.
From God's Minute - Daily Devotion
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Prov 25:11 NKJV)
Now it is written: So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word. For You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. (Psalms 119:42; Psalms 119:114)
Therefore today we will take a humorous look at a message that I received this week from one of our brothers-in-Christ. I hope that it will bring a laugh or two to begin your day.
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Proof That Scripture Can Protect You
Now an elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of Church services when an intruder startled her. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled, Stop! ACTS 2:38 she shouted" The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done.
As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a Scripture at you."
"Scripture?" replied the burglar. "I though she said she had an ax and two 38's!"
__________________________________________
Incidentally ACTS 2:38 reads: "Repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven."
From Worthy Ministries - Daily Devotion
Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
Bill Bright tells an amazing story in his book, "How You Can Be Filled with the Holy Spirit".
During the Great Depression, poverty swept across America like a whirling tornado, ripping up dreams and scattering hopes to the wind. One such poverty twister hit a small part of Texas where a man named Yates ran a sheep ranch. Struggling even to keep food on the table, Yates and his wife did all they could to survive. Finally, they had to accept a government subsidy or lose their home and land to the creditors.
One day, in the midst of this bleakness, a geologic crew from a large oil company came knocking. With Yates' permission, they wanted to drill a wildcat well on his property, promising him a large portion of the profits if they struck oil. "What could I lose?" thought Yates, and he signed the papers.
The oil crew immediately set up the machinery and began drilling. Five hundred feet down, they came up dry. Eight hundred feet, dry. One thousand feet they sunk the shaft, and still no oil. Finally, at a little over eleven hundred feet, they tapped into one of the richest oil reserves in Texas. The hole sprayed its black wealth high into the air, and soon the well was pumping eighty thousand barrels of oil a day.Overnight, Yates and his family became millionaires. His property, once called Yate's Field, became known as Yate's Pool. And soon hundreds of oil wells dotted the land where once only sheep grazed.
Hmm. What if they had stopped at a thousand feet?? I believe that there is a well of blessing within us that is just waiting to be found. And the victory will only come when we dig for it. We need to to press in when the circumstances look their bleakest! We need to believe that the blessing is there for the taking and not stop when we get discouraged and don't see the fruit of our labor! We need to expect great things and rich oil in the Spirit! Because this is what the Lord has for each one of us!
Our breakthrough is just under our feet! Be encouraged! Keep digging! God has more in store than you can imagine!
From Worthy Ministries - Daily Devotion
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
"On Sunday, believers arrived at a house church in the Soviet Union in small groups throughout the day so not to arouse the suspicion of KGB informers. They began by singing a hymn quietly. Suddenly, in walked two soldiers with loaded weapons at the ready. One shouted, "If you wish to renounce your commitment to Jesus Christ, leave now!" Two or three quickly left, then another. After a few more seconds, two more. "This is your last chance. Either turn against your faith in Christ," he ordered, "or stay and suffer the consequences." Two more slipped out into the night. No one else moved. Parents with children trembling beside them looked down reassuringly, fully expecting to be gunned down or imprisoned. The other soldier closed the door, looked back at those who stood against the wall and said, "Keep your hands up–but this time in praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. We, too, are Christians. We were sent to another house church several weeks ago to arrest a group of believers." The other soldier interrupted, "But, instead, we were converted! We have learned by experience, however, that unless people are willing to die for their faith, they cannot be fully trusted." (From "Living Above the Level of Mediocrity," by Chuck Swindoll).
Wow. Can you imagine being faced with a decision to run or die for our faith? We are living in a day where this could very well become reality! But how many of us would be willing to stand?
Let's start deepening our relationship with the Lord today so that our minds may be focused on heavenly things and not consumed with the weight of all the worldly ones. That it would be easy for us to make a stand for Him should that day ever come.
From Worthy Ministries - Daily Devotion
Psalms 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee flames by jumping to the ground from the roof. His father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, "Jump! I'll catch you." But the boy was afraid — he couldn't see his father — all he could see was flame, smoke, and blackness. He was afraid. Still, his father kept yelling: "Jump son! I will catch you!" But the boy refused, crying, "Daddy, I can't see you!" His father replied, "It's ok son — I can see you — and that's all that matters!"
Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of the fiery trials of life and all we can see is the smoke and the flames. But faith is knowing who will catch us when take that leap. In Hebrew, the word 'truth' in this verse, is em-oo-nah, which is also translated faith. God delights in responding to our faith. He wants us to jump into His arms — especially when we can't see Him.
George Mueller said, "Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends."
Let's practice some faith today. Our Father's arms are biggest and strongest they come!
From Worthy Ministries - Daily Devotion
Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
An old chinese legend tells of a group of elderly, cultured gentlemen who met often to exchange wisdom and drink tea. Each host tried to find the finest and most costly varieties, to create exotic blends that would arouse the admiration of his guests. When the most venerable and respected of the group entertained, he served his tea with unprecedented ceremony, measuring the leaves from a golden box. The assembled epicures praised this exquisite tea. The host smiled and said, "The tea you have found so delightful is the same tea our peasants drink. I hope it will be a reminder to all that the good things in life are not necessarily the rarest or the most costly.
No, the good things in life are right in front of our faces and we so often neglect to see them for how very precious they are – our redemption in Jesus, our spouses, our children, our parents and extended family, our brothers and sisters in the Lord, our wonderful five senses, the talents and abilities He's given us – and soooo much more!
Let''s thank God for all the precious things he's given us and let's cherish them as so! We have so much!
From God's Minute - Daily Devotion
My dead children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense, Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2 NIV)
When we repent our sins, they are cleansed from the Book of Life forever, by the Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. For it is written: In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. (Eph 1:7) For I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. (Jer 33:8)
Now our sins are not only forgiven, they are forgotten as well! For God has said: "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." (Heb 8:12)
So never feel that you have done something that God will not forgive you for, because there is only one unforgivable sin. Our Savior said: "Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven." (Luke 12:10), and unless you believe that satan created the World and is God, you can not be guilty of that!
Therefore, never feel that God loves you less than before because of something that you have done. Neither feel that you have done something unforgivable either! After all God's Love is unconditional and pure, and He loves you just as much today, as the day you were born!
Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
My wife came across a joke that'll surely make you ladies laugh out loud — and you men too– that is, if you know what's good for you, lol!
A small-town couple was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and their long, loving relationship had long been the talk of the town. For this special occasion, a local newspaper reporter paid them a visit to inquire as to the secret of their happy marriage.
"Well," explained the husband, "it really all goes back to our honeymoon. We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down to the bottom of the canyon by pack mule. We hadn't gone too far when my wife's mule stumbled. My wife quietly said 'That's once.' We proceeded a little farther when the mule stumbled again. Once more my wife quietly spoke: 'That's twice.' We hadn't gone a half-mile when the mule stumbled a third time. My wife promptly removed a revolver from her purse, hopped down off the beast, and shot the mule dead. I began to protest over her treatment of the mule when she looked at me and quietly said, 'That's once.'''
I hope you liked that. Now, I've heard that children laugh 300 to 400 times a day while we adults laugh only a mere 15! Believe it or not, experts say that laughing aids digestion, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, boosts the immune system, triggers the release of endorphins which are the body's natural painkillers, heals broken relationships and produces a general sense of well-being!
Let's not take everything so very seriously! Let's start laughing at ourselves a little, and laughing at our enemy's attempts to keep us burdened and oppressed! God has our victory –always!
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11 *NIV)
Sometimes we may let the actions of another cause us to lose control of our temper. Before we do, it is important to remember that 'an angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. (Proverbs 29:22) For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife. (Proverbs 30:33)
After all 'my dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-20)
So the next time that someone treats you wrongly turn it over to God to handle, and do not lose your temper or try to get even with them. For we know Him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge His people." (Hebrews 10:30)
Therefore try your best to keep your words soft and sweet. For we never know from day to day which words we'll have to eat! Also remember, above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Amen. (1 Peter 4:8)
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
We came across this story, about a man who was slowly losing his memory. After a lengthy examination, the doctor said that a risky operation on his brain might reverse his condition and restore his memory. However, the surgery would be so delicate that a nerve could be severed, causing total blindness.
The surgeon asked, "So, which would you rather have, your sight or your memory?" The man pondered the question for a while and replied, "My sight, because I would rather see where I am going than remember where I have been."
Our enemy is always trying to dig up the past and keep us all bound up in our failures. But be encouraged! Today is a new day! Today and every day we have a choice to make! Like Paul, we must choose to press forward and put aside our past. We must purpose to keep our eyes on the Lord, not on our successes or failures, but upon on what can we do for Him today!
Be free from the shackles of the past! Keep your eyes on the prize!
just wanted to post some inspiring i've received on my phone… =) i wanted to share it for everyone to read.
If you're living for Christ you may lose some friends, but you won't lose their respect. - Daniel 1
The world reqards quick success but God rewards long term faithfulness. Live today as if you will stand before God tomorrow. The Lord is so pleased with your loyalty and commitment to Him! Keep the faith.
God's guidance is like a flashlight in a dungeon…it doesn't shine on all corners at once…but it gives you just enough light for the next step. Keep walking by faith!
No life ever grows great until it is focused… dedicated… disciplined. But no life is ever happy until it is lived for the glory of God.
In your hurts, your fears, your struggles, your temptations, there is no more wonderful promise than this: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
God measures the person with the burdens he puts on him. When you feel that your load is heavier than the rest, be happy for God sees you're stronger than the rest!
When the idea isn't right, God says NO. When the timing isn't right, God says SLOW. When you are not right, God says GROW. And if everything is right, God says GO!
Everything that God allows to come our way is with a purpose.. He uses even the greatest error and the deepest hurt to mold us into a better person…
Sometimes you have to fight for something to make everything all right. You give your best and you give your all yet you still lose. But if you ever get tired, tell Jesus…He'll take the fight and win it for you!
The highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity. Choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over popularity. These are the choice that measure our life. Travel the path of integrity without looking back, for there's never a wrong time to do the right thing.
Whenever you feel down, hopeless, worthless, like you're the greatest loser on earth, just remember… Jesus thought you are worth dying for.
Your life may be the only Bible some people will ever read. Live it well by bringing light to others in the midst of darkness. Enjoy it.
Serving God is a privilege, not a burden if God gives you an assignment. Count yourself blessed that He considers you faithful enough to trust you with it.
Obeying God sometimes seems like the hardest road to take…but in the long run it is the only lifestyle that brings real peace and genuine joy!
The more a diamond is cute, the more it sparkles. So never despise life's fiery trials, for they are God's way of bringing out the brilliance in you!
Life is a road full of twists and turns. Learn to enjoy the ride no matter how bumpy it is, for every twist and every turn, a blessing is always given in return!
It is a shame for a person to have been a Christian for years but not to have advanced beyond the knowledge of his salvation. - Theodore Epp
Falling in love with God is the greatest romance. Searching him is the greatest adventure. Finding him is the greatest achievement. And being with him is the greatest joy of life.
God says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself." - Jer 31:3
His love is great. -Joel 2:13
His love will never disappear. - Isaiah 54:10
His love is more than we can ever know. - Eph 3:19
Never walk away from God's ministry… when you see some fault, be patient and realize that it is a trial. You can't be perfect, but you can always be God's true servant.
And Jesus said; "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!" -Matthew 19:26 NKJV
When you are facing something that seems impossible to you, have faith, for nothing is impossible with God on your side!" After all is it not written: For with God nothing will be impossible! (Luke 1:37) For He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
So don't give up when facing what seems impossible to you. For you do believe in miracles don't you? Well, isn't a miracle something that has happened that seemed impossible at the time?
Therefore the next time you find yourself thinking that something is impossible; remember the first verse of this message and: Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong, let all that you do be done with love. (1 Cor 16:13-14) After all, God has said: "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?"
