The Unifier and Provider

In the post, “Dissipation of a Nation”, the people turned to idol worship instead of giving credit to God for all they had been given. Written about were some lessons we can take from this passage which can be applied today within nations or used by individuals. Many throughout the world seem to think governments can best provide for needs even though governments have a way of setting up roadblocks to productivity by setting up regulations that are impossible to meet or enforce.

In the nation in which I live, every state is different but united. Within the United States, some states choose to do things one way and others choose to do things another way. Texas has just a few natural lakes. Years ago, some smart people noticed that there were many rivers in Texas but the water just ran into the Gulf of Mexico. During the hot summers, the state would get low on water so they thought of the idea of building damns along the rivers to make lakes that stores the water.

The point is that it’s important to plan using the lessons taught by history. Some states never learned from history; never built lakes to store rain water, and as a result, have to either do without or barrow water from other states at a high price.

The Bible has many lessons taught by history that the United States adopted to form The U. S. Constitution as a guide to run the nation. Unfortunately, many have decided that it should no longer be “One Nation Under God” so they’ve instructed to ditch the advantage that history brings; going instead to the lead of a few unqualified bureaucrats as the best way to the future.  

God’s Plan for Us is the best way. It’s been proven over and over again. This day can be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down. Be inspired by the song The Way by Jeremy Camp.

Index of devotionals

Smoothing Out the Bumpy Road of the Journey

A person's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? - Proverbs 20:24

The journey of life without God can prove to be one big bumpy road. That’s why we should all have a passion to return to the ONE who has formed the mountains, created the wind, and reveals His thoughts to us daily. Then the bumps along the journey will not be as troublesome.

In the post “The Way to Assuring a Great Day” are some thoughts/ideas on what can be done to live the way God advises in His Word. Here is a video poem that I produced with these thoughts in mind: This Day with God.

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Correction and Redirection

A person's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? - Proverbs 20:24

In the post, “Doing the Right Thing”, written about was how Israel was heading down the wrong path and that God’s judgment would come upon that nation. In many ways, the world today is not that different than during the time of Amos.

A lesson learned is that we need to listen, know God’s plan for us, make adjustments in life if necessary, and take action on doing the right thing. Here’s a video that highlights these thoughts and inspires us to do the right thing: Come Let Us Return to the Lord – Matt Redman.

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Be Someone Who Chose the One Who Knows

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm - Proverbs 12:20

As written about in the post, “Build on a Firm Foundation”, there are consequences when we are associated with those who have turned away from God. Instead, we should build on the firm foundation of His Word which allows us to accumulate knowledge and understanding over time. We should also consistently pray for advice and confidently do what is needed.

I remember one hot summer in July, my daughter heard that a convenience store was having a special on slurpee drinks. The Seven Eleven convenient stores were giving out free slurpees because the date was 7-11. I went into the store and there was a crowd lined up so I followed the crowd. Well, I got my slurpee but ended up getting the wrong size just like everyone else and having to pay for it.

When you follow the crowd, it doesn’t always end up like you want. Instead, let us follow the Lord because He knows what is best for us as described in today’s video: He Knows – Jeremy Camp.

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Believe and Receive

As written about in the post No Greater Power, the Pharaoh of Egypt wouldn’t let the Israelites go and Moses confronted Pharaoh about the situation; even told him what God would do and when He did it, Pharaoh was amazed but then it didn’t take long for him to forget. Each time, another plague was sent to force Pharaoh to do what God wanted.

Pharaoh just didn’t get it; that the earth is the Lord’s – that there is no greater power than God. All it took was him to believe in God’s greatness and listen. There is grave danger for not believing yet many refuse God’s gift of grace.

Here’s a song to inspire believing and receiving today: We Believe - NewsBoys.

Has anything like this happened in your days, or even in the days of your fathers? Tell your children about it, let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. - Joel 1:2-3

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The True Leader

Any time we have the opportunity to lead others and we are able to achieve some level of success, it’s important to give God all the glory. Any leader should realize that their purpose in life is to glorify God by helping others understand that He is the true leader.

A parent, a leader of a major corporation, a superstar, or whatever station in life; God is the ONE who we should give praise. In the post Give Him the Glory, I shared about King Herod giving a speech and the people honored him by shouting that he was a god. Because Herod didn’t correct them and give praise to the true God, an angel of the Lord struck him down as Herod was eaten up by worms and died (v. 23).

The true superstar in God’s eye are people who connect His power to His people. Like the connection provided by jumper cables that recharges a car battery, we can get interested in others, give them encouragement, and empower them with the Good News. Today’s video is about these thoughts of putting God as the center of our life: Steal My Show – TobyMac.

For everyone who exalts himself with be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11

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Lifted on Wings to Explore the World

I remember one day getting home from church and seeing some baby birds from a nest near our back porch trying to fly. We watched for about 30 minutes until all five could fly and explore the world in which they were a part.

This day with God, be lifted up on the wings of aspiration and make the flight God has for you to see the beauty that He has to offer. Know that you and God are a team as you receive inspiration from today’s video: Me and God – Josh Turner.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. - Ephesians 3:20

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Following the Holy Spirit and Playing Our Unique Part in this World

In the post Sense of Purpose, the followers of Christ were put in jail for speaking in His name. Isn’t it disheartening that now over 2,000 years have passed and there are those in our current society with similar thoughts? Communication of one’s opinions and ideas are being stymied by political correctness in much the same fashion as it was in the first century against those who started the Christian church.

God sees each of us as His child. We are unique individuals who can think on our own. We don’t need a group to do all our thinking for us. We all can make our own decisions by following the Holy Spirit and playing our part in this world. Here’s our inspirational video for today: My Place in this World – Michael W. Smith.

Do not conform any longer 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

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Filled with Joy and Living in Hope

Each day can be amazing because the risen, ascended, and active Christ makes a difference in our daily living. Because of Christ, we are filled with joy and live in hope because we can see the Lord always before us. Even in dark times, His light illuminates the world. Take encouragement from this video: We Won’t Be Shaken – Building 429.

Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:3-5

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Nothing is Impossible with God

Many say that David wrote Psalm 8 soon after he killed Goliath. The post How Majestic is Your Name points this out.  I also wrote in this post about my trip to Austin a while back to a concert; about how I could keep up on reading blog posts with the technology of today.

Nothing is impossible with God and as ruler over the work of His hands; we can participate in innovation and create solutions to problems that we once thought impossible.

With new technology of today, we all have the ability to be innovative and creative. This day with God, let us stretch our thinking, dream big, and break old barriers. Here is today’s inspirational video. Enjoy! J : Me and God – Josh Turner.

For nothing is impossible with God. – Luke 1:37

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Grace and Truth of Christ Gets Us in Sync

We live in a very complicated world that can throw anyone into doubt but the grace and truth of Christ gets us in sync so we are in the right place at the right time. Right now, we are able to be with God because of His grace in sending Christ.

There is a benefit for those that discover the lessons of the Word, those that look forward to the rewarding promise of the future, and those that passionately follow the will of God. Here is today’s inspiring video to start our day with reinforced determination to take on the challenges: He Knows – Jeremy Camp.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. - James 1:5

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The Blessing of the Holy Spirit

Times are not always easy and that’s when prayer is useful to find out how to step ahead. As written about in the post The Vision of the Mission, Christ death on the cross has become the sacrifice to take the place of the sacrifice written about in Exodus 12 when the Lord passes over each house that had sacrificed a lamb.

Christ’s physical body is no longer on earth but His Spirit counsels at all times to help us. This video is about this blessing we have in the Holy Spirit:  Blessings – Laura Story.

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you: but if I go away, I will send Him to you. - John 16:7

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Follow the Path to Freedom

In the post The Importance of Honesty and Doing What We Say, I wrote about just one of many examples found in the Bible of how life gets difficult when people are deceptive and get off the path that should be followed in life.

We all want things to go our way but if our way is not God’s way then it leads to places we may not want to go. Deceivers lead themselves and others down a path of rough times.  Living the way Jesus teaches is following the right path; leading to meaningful places and making an impact on lives.

We can be thankful for God’s plan for us. With God there is a freedom ... a freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; laying out a clear path that we can follow. Here’s today’s inspirational video: Losing – Tenth Avenue North

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

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Commitment to Spiritual Growth

The actions of today can have long-term, far-reaching implications in our living for the future. Below are a few actions we can take that effect our future in a positive way:

·         Be decisive and accept Christ as Savior

·         Stay focused on His ways

·         Write out plans or a road map for spiritual growth

·         Take the steps needed to get to where you want to go

·         Take a look at the roadmap of your journey to measure how you are doing and where you are at

·         Involve others who will hold you accountable and help you maintain integrity

·         Learn from mistakes that get you off track

·         Take corrective action that will get you back on track when needed

·         Make it interesting, fun, and rewarding as you reach the destination

Here is an inspirational video as we seek to be committed to spiritual growth: Lead Me to the Cross – Hillsongs.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. - Proverbs 16:3

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Caring for Others

Abram demonstrated that he cared for others. We also show that we care for others by giving back what we have learned in life. What we make happen for others, God will make happen for us.

You may have a child or friend with an issue at school or work and you can be there for them; offering ideas or suggestions. Your purpose in life may not be a great preacher, singer, or teacher but just being free to be you as explained in this video: Free to be Me – Francesca Battistelli.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. –  Philippians 2:3

Index of Devotionals

Hope in the Lord

The psalmist has dedicated his life to praising the Lord as pointed out in Psalm 146. The psalmist points out that those who hope in the Lord are more trustworthy. Many societies put their hope in a government but history has told us that governments are not always trustworthy.

I heard recently that for the first time in the history of the United States, more people are receiving government assistance than are working. Our nation cannot expect to make it if this continues. People have to be willing to go the extra mile for each other and not depend on a government. We must realize that what works is our faith in God and in each other. Incentives have to be put in place to encourage the creation of more jobs and the desire to work.

When we have faith in God instead of government, we will not be let down because our hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord, who remains faithful forever (v. 6). Our trust must be in God and in the work for His purposes. Then together, we can uphold the cause of the oppressed, give food to the hungry, and provide for health.

Our love of God and neighbor can best support the alien, sustain the fatherless, and the widow (v. 9). This day with God, let us pray for steadfastness and righteous because it is in our faith that there are true possibilities. Persistence like a stream of water eventually cuts into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in our way. Praise the Lord for the beauty of nature, for His power, and for our chance to meet with Him in prayer.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

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The Discipline of Josiah

We discover in reading 2 Chronicles 34 that Josiah ruled much differently than his father and grandfather. His character contained the element of discipline and he sought God’s direction. His reforms were thorough as he set out to completely destroy the idols and images.

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The Temple of the Lord was in terrible condition so Josiah set out to have it cleaned and repaired. It was during this work that the Book of the Law was found. Obvious to him was the fact that it had not been read or applied over the years. Upon hearing the Law read, Josiah was full of anger, sorrow, and sadness because he knew that past generations had not followed what was written.

The king had a strong influence over the people as shown in verses 31-33. Everyone pledged to follow the Lord and keep His commands. Let us pray for Christian leaders in each of our communities and in the government; that their influence for God may be strong. 

Josiah was a king who went by the Book of the Law of the Lord and took action. This day with God, be inspired by the discipline of this king. Pray that our leaders today will make a change and understand the proven positive result of working faithfully by the Book.

For growing in God’s power with the Holy Spirit as our guide, there is an on-line devotional being used to keep me on track. I invite you to join the journey on Facebook and be notified of new posts by clicking like. 

The Faith Factor

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The most important factor in the growth of Uzziah’s power is that he sought God and grew in faith as presented in 2 Chronicles 26-27. Uzziah received help from his instructor named Zechariah who taught him to fear God. He was victorious in war and he rebuilt towns as God helped. Other accomplishments included building towers to help with securing Judah and cisterns to help provide water for the livestock in the rural areas. He put to work many in the fields and vineyards of the fertile lands (V. 26:10).

He had a well trained army with plenty of weapons and supplies. His political power and fame spread until pride got to him. He burned incense to God in the temple and this was not right because only the priests were consecrated for this activity. The priests corrected him but Uzziah became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead (V. 26:19). He spent the rest of his life in seclusion.

Jotham his son became king at the age of 25 and he learned from his father’s successes and mistakes.  The only weakness of his rule as noted by the chronicler is that the people continued their corrupt practices (V. 27:2).  He did not enter the temple of the Lord and he kept his pride in check and was mostly successful throughout his reign.

Faith was a factor in success for both Uzziah and Jotham. It can also be a major factor in our own life and goals. It is faith that provides a balanced life; assuring hope for a positive future during difficulties and humility during good times. This day with God, believe that every doubt or fear will be replaced with a deep abiding trust in Him.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Faith in the Rock of Ages

Reading in 2 Chronicles 16, we should learn to rely not so much on what men can do but on what the Rock of Ages has done and will continue to do. Be connected to the source of everything good; His love is certain, His guidance is trustworthy, and His Word is timeless. With faith in God, we can move mountains like this video explains: Only a Mountain – Jason Castro.

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: 

This Day with God Devotional.

Law of the Lord

Photo Credit – sheddinglightonthepath.blogspot.com

Rehoboam and his kingdom were at one point strong but he and all of Israel abandoned the law of the Lord as recorded in 2 Chronicles 12. Keeping God out encourages the enemy and in this reading, we get a good picture of this occurring. Shishak king of Egypt saw Israel’s lack of faithfulness and was encouraged to attack Jerusalem in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign.

Rehoboam responded with humility and God did not bring total destruction upon Israel but did make them subject to Shishak. The treasures of the temple and of the royal palace were carried off by Shishak (V. 9). Even the gold shields Solomon had made were taken and there was a general decline of the kingdom as evidenced in verses 10 and 11.

The chronicler’s general verdict concerning Rehoboam’s reign is that he started out demonstrating some good characteristics but did not make seeking God a priority. He then lost strength as a leader because he did not have God’s favor. The kingdom declined under Rehoboam but he did humble himself so God did not bring total destruction.

History has recorded that Rehoboam did not take advantage of God’s power and this resulted in weak leadership and a weakened kingdom. This day with God, let us learn from history and pray for goodness. Let us gain favor by setting our heart on seeking God. Let us remember that it is evil that takes treasure from our soul but being faithful to God, giving Him glory, and worshiping Him alone will build up treasures for the soul.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.