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Dream Big
Ben
Daily Bible reading: 1 Samuel 7, Romans 6, Jeremiah 44, Luke 13
Before I gave my life to Christ, I was a completely different person. The power of God to transform lives is incredible. I was recently telling a friend some things about my past and explaining to her that even though I know it was still me that did those things, the memories feel like I am looking into the life of another person. Not only did God forgive me but his grace covered that old life so those memories don’t have to vividly haunt or torment me!
Romans 6:4 tells us that because of what Jesus did on the cross we may have a new life!
There are many self-help books out there that promote a “fresh start” or a “new you.” All of these concepts are only the biblical principle with Christ removed from it. People can try to have a fresh start or a new life without Christ, but it won’t bring the transforming power that only He can bring. I know many Christians who remember the exact date of when the gave their life to Christ. To some, they deem it as important as their actual birthday because it was when they were born again.
For me, it was an instant transformation and for some it is more gradual. Wherever you are at with God today, and with the sins you are trying to overcome know that you can’t do it on your own! It is only through the power and the grace of God that true strength and change comes.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
If you have been a Christian all your life, don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that you don’t have a testimony. Your testimony is that the grace of God saved and spared you all the days of your life! If you have been born again in your later years, know that you have a new life in Christ. You are a new person who has been washed clean and given authority! The lie of the devil is that he has only given you grace to forgive your sins! Wrong! He has also given you an empowering grace! This empowers you to do everything he has called you to do and to give up everything he calls you to give up.
You are a new creation with an empowering grace!
Mel Miller
Before I gave my life to Christ, I was a completely different person. The power of God to transform lives is incredible. I was recently telling a friend some things about my past and explaining to her that even though I know it was still me that did those things, the memories feel like I am looking into the life of another person. Not only did God forgive me but his grace covered that old life so those memories don’t have to vividly haunt or torment me!
Romans 6:4 tells us that because of what Jesus did on the cross we may have a new life!
There are many self-help books out there that promote a “fresh start” or a “new you.” All of these concepts are only the biblical principle with Christ removed from it. People can try to have a fresh start or a new life without Christ, but it won’t bring the transforming power that only He can bring. I know many Christians who remember the exact date of when the gave their life to Christ. To some, they deem it as important as their actual birthday because it was when they were born again.
For me, it was an instant transformation and for some it is more gradual. Wherever you are at with God today, and with the sins you are trying to overcome know that you can’t do it on your own! It is only through the power and the grace of God that true strength and change comes.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
If you have been a Christian all your life, don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that you don’t have a testimony. Your testimony is that the grace of God saved and spared you all the days of your life! If you have been born again in your later years, know that you have a new life in Christ. You are a new person who has been washed clean and given authority! The lie of the devil is that he has only given you grace to forgive your sins! Wrong! He has also given you an empowering grace! This empowers you to do everything he has called you to do and to give up everything he calls you to give up.
You are a new creation with an empowering grace!
Mel Miller
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Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 3, Romans 3, Jeremiah 41, Luke 10
Two are Better than One
In today's devotional I talk about the fact that two people are better than one. Or more importantly that you connecting with the local church with your gift has more power and potential than you just by yourself.
Why do you think two are better than one? Give me your feed back.
Tomorrows Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 4, Romans 4, Jeremiah 42, Luke 11
Dream Big
Ben Brinkman
Two are Better than One
In today's devotional I talk about the fact that two people are better than one. Or more importantly that you connecting with the local church with your gift has more power and potential than you just by yourself.
Why do you think two are better than one? Give me your feed back.
Tomorrows Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 4, Romans 4, Jeremiah 42, Luke 11
Dream Big
Ben Brinkman
Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 2, Romans 2, Jeremiah 40, Luke 9
Who Are You Anointed For
In today's devotional I talk about that fact that we are anointed by Jesus for people and not for ourselves. Luke 9
Tomorrows Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 3, Romans 3, Jeremiah 41, Luke 10
Dream Big
Ben
Who Are You Anointed For
In today's devotional I talk about that fact that we are anointed by Jesus for people and not for ourselves. Luke 9
Tomorrows Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 3, Romans 3, Jeremiah 41, Luke 10
Dream Big
Ben
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1, Romans 1, Jeremiah 39, Psalm 13-14
He Has Been Good to Me
David starts Psalm 13 off complaining, but before he finishes the psalm he comes to the realization that in spite of his problems he should put his trust in the unfailing love of the Lord. He says “I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.”
I think we should take a lesson from David. If we concentrate on our problems and what is wrong with the world we can find plenty to complain about. But if we remind ourselves where we should put our trust, that no matter what things might look like we have a God who extends his unfailing love to us, we can come to the same conclusion. He has been good to me.
Jeremiah certainly had plenty to be upset about. He could have been shaking with fear for his life. He had been in the bottom of a well until Ebed-Melech rescued him. (Jer. 38) Now in Jeremiah 39 we find Jerusalem has been captured by Nebuchadnezzar and his army, King Zedekiah was captured and his eyes were put out, the city officials were all killed and the city was burned. But orders were given that Jeremiah should be looked after and he was sent back to his own people. The Lord gave Jeremiah a promise about Ebed-Melech who had rescued him from the well; that he would be rescued; he would not be killed by the sword but would escape with this life. Because you trust in me, declares the Lord.”
With so many promises in Scripture about the rewards of trusting in the Lord, why are we tempted to doubt? We don’t have enemies chasing us like David. We haven’t been thrown into a well like Jeremiah.
There’s a song that says¸ “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” If we get our eyes upon Jesus, and our hearts and minds upon his promises, we can say with David. “He has been good to me.”
Tomorrows Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 2, Romans 2, Jeremiah 40, Luke 9
God is good all the time,
Naomi Brinkman
Bible Reading - Ruth 3-4, Acts 28, Jeremiah 38, Luke 7
Making Jesus Famous (Video Devotional)
Watch Video
In today's Devotional I talk about making Jesus famous. When we use our ability to make Jesus famous rather than ourselves the end result is always a celebration. Here in Luke 7 we see the story of a man who's servant was sick and this man came to Jesus simply because "he heard about Jesus". We need to make sure we are doing what we can for people to hear about Jesus because He is and always will be the answer.
Tomorrows Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 1, Romans 1, Jeremiah 39, Psalm 13-14
Dream Big
Ben
Making Jesus Famous (Video Devotional)
Watch Video
In today's Devotional I talk about making Jesus famous. When we use our ability to make Jesus famous rather than ourselves the end result is always a celebration. Here in Luke 7 we see the story of a man who's servant was sick and this man came to Jesus simply because "he heard about Jesus". We need to make sure we are doing what we can for people to hear about Jesus because He is and always will be the answer.
Tomorrows Bible Reading - 1 Samuel 1, Romans 1, Jeremiah 39, Psalm 13-14
Dream Big
Ben
Daily Bible reading: Ruth 2, Acts 27, Jeremiah 37, Luke 6
Ruth had many things going against her.
She was a woman - women were seen as inferior at that time.
She was a widow - widows were taken advantage of and ignored. There was almost nothing worse than being a widow during the time of Ruth. Many times they were left unprotected from rape or sexual harassment.
She was poor - she was left without any inheritance, scraping from the leftovers of the fields of others. These people were treated unfairly.
She was a Moabite - friendly relations with the Moabites were discouraged (they were not allowed to worship at the tabernacle because they had not let the Israelites pass through their land during the Exodus from Egypt).
Ruth had every reason to stay in the comfort zone of Moab but instead she traveled to the place where she would be considered a nobody. She knew that it was her mother in law Naomi that she was to cling to. She followed her and served her, even though it meant giving up every ounce of dignity she had. In choosing to do this, she also gave up every dream she had.
In modern day terms, she would have been like the tattered woman receiving her food from the garbage can of the Trump Towers. Mr. Trump comes out (let’s pretend he is godly, hansome, unmarried and sans funky toupee, okay?) and begins to show her favor. He provides her with food, water and protection from accusers. He eventually asks her to marry him. In an instant the beggar widow goes from the bottom to the top!
It doesn’t sound like a fun place to be -- the lowest of the lows. Yet, it was exactly where God wanted her. He was positioning her for a blessing that was beyond anything she could have imagined. He had a godly husband, wealth, and a redeemed reputation waiting for her at those fields she was gleaning from.
My friend had a dream that she was serving at someone’s wedding. She kept serving and serving and waiting for the bride to arrive. She grew angry wondering when the bride was going to show up--after all, she was doing all this work for her! Soon enough, she realized that she was the bride all along.
So it is with our dream. You think your serving someone else’s dream…your giving, your serving and your faithful. You might feel like Ruth, you have no status, title or respect. What you don’t realize is that it is a set-up from the Lord. In the process of serving the dreams of others, God will release you into yours.
Be encouraged today! The Lord has positioned you for a blessing!
Mel Miller
Ruth had many things going against her.
She was a woman - women were seen as inferior at that time.
She was a widow - widows were taken advantage of and ignored. There was almost nothing worse than being a widow during the time of Ruth. Many times they were left unprotected from rape or sexual harassment.
She was poor - she was left without any inheritance, scraping from the leftovers of the fields of others. These people were treated unfairly.
She was a Moabite - friendly relations with the Moabites were discouraged (they were not allowed to worship at the tabernacle because they had not let the Israelites pass through their land during the Exodus from Egypt).
Ruth had every reason to stay in the comfort zone of Moab but instead she traveled to the place where she would be considered a nobody. She knew that it was her mother in law Naomi that she was to cling to. She followed her and served her, even though it meant giving up every ounce of dignity she had. In choosing to do this, she also gave up every dream she had.
In modern day terms, she would have been like the tattered woman receiving her food from the garbage can of the Trump Towers. Mr. Trump comes out (let’s pretend he is godly, hansome, unmarried and sans funky toupee, okay?) and begins to show her favor. He provides her with food, water and protection from accusers. He eventually asks her to marry him. In an instant the beggar widow goes from the bottom to the top!
It doesn’t sound like a fun place to be -- the lowest of the lows. Yet, it was exactly where God wanted her. He was positioning her for a blessing that was beyond anything she could have imagined. He had a godly husband, wealth, and a redeemed reputation waiting for her at those fields she was gleaning from.
My friend had a dream that she was serving at someone’s wedding. She kept serving and serving and waiting for the bride to arrive. She grew angry wondering when the bride was going to show up--after all, she was doing all this work for her! Soon enough, she realized that she was the bride all along.
So it is with our dream. You think your serving someone else’s dream…your giving, your serving and your faithful. You might feel like Ruth, you have no status, title or respect. What you don’t realize is that it is a set-up from the Lord. In the process of serving the dreams of others, God will release you into yours.
Be encouraged today! The Lord has positioned you for a blessing!
Mel Miller
Daily Bible Reading: Ruth 1, Acts 26, Jeremiah 36, Psalm 9, Luke 5
Pity Party or Trusting God?
Naomi had lost her husband. She was in a foreign land, Moab, and had two sons to raise. But there was a famine in Bethlehem and she dared not return there yet. Her sons grew old enough to marry and married girls from Moab. Ten years later both her sons died, leaving her with two foreign daughters-in-law. Then Naomi heard the famine in Bethlehem was over and determined to return to her homeland and her daughters-in-law started to go with her but at her urging one returned to Moab. Ruth persisted in going with her.
This book is the story of both Ruth and Naomi, but for this chapter I want to focus on Naomi. Granted she did have a lot happen to make her sorrowful but as you read through chapter one, she was having a veritable pity party. “I am too old.” “The Lord’s hand is against me.” “Call me Mara, (which means bitterness) not Naomi (which means pleasant, blessed.)” “My life is bitter.” “The Lord did it.” “I am empty.” “The Lord afflicted me.” “The Lord brought misfortune upon me.” Wow!! She was at the bottom of a well, looking down and not up!! Of course as we will read through the book of Ruth, things turn out a lot differently for her. But at this moment all looks black and she is groveling in the blackness.
This reminds me of a Snoopy cartoon I saw years ago. Snoopy was lying on his back on top of his dog house. It was raining. And he says these words, “Rain! Go ahead!! Rain all over me!”
Compare this with Paul in Acts 26. He is a prisoner only because he has been preaching Jesus which irritated the Jews. Paul could have had a great pity party over his situation but instead he uses the situation to preach to the king and his wife, the governor, high ranking officers and leading men. He utters this statement, “Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (Verse 8) My interpretation -- If God can do that, He can do anything. If you believe in God, you won’t find raising from the dead incredible. You won’t find any miracle incredible. You won’t find any situation too difficult for Him.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psa. 9:9-10.
We can put our trust in this Word of God or we can wallow in our problems and have a pity party. Baruch in Jer. 36 and 45 certainly could have had a pity party. His life was in danger for writing down the prophecy the Lord gave Jeremiah. But the Lord brought him this word. “Wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.” Jer. 45:5
The Word of the Lord to us is that it is not incredible that God raises from the dead. It is not incredible that God miraculously delivers from impossible circumstances. It is not incredible that God provides when it seems there is no provision. It is not incredible that God makes a way where it seems there is no way.
Let’s not lie on our backs and say “Rain, go ahead, rain all over me,” and have a pity party. But let’s take God at his Word and believe that with God nothing is impossible. We have an incredible God.
Tomorrows Reading - Ruth 2, Acts 27, Jeremiah 37, Luke 6
God is good all the time,
Naomi Brinkman
Daily Bible Reading - Judges 21, Acts 25, Jeremiah 35, Luke 4
“A 15 year old boy reminded his father he had gotten permission to go to the movies the following Friday, and asked if he could get some money for the ticket and snacks. His father said the money was already set apart for him and asked him to go to his room and organize the mess of clothes that were all over the floor. The 15-year-old kid went over to his room started organizing but his computer made a very distinctive sound, a beep he knew very well. His friends were trying to chat with him, so organizing was put on break.
A couple of hours went by, the father walked by the room and after he realized the room was still looking as though a bomb of laundry had exploded he just smiled at his son and asked him to get ready for dinner in 45 minutes. His son remembered the task and started organizing but he found his PSP in the mess and without even thinking about it he turned it on and wasted his 45 minutes playing games. During dinner the son asked his father not to forget to give him the money to what the dad replied “Didn’t you find it?” the son looked at him quizzically and his father asked him to go to his room with him. His dad picked up all of the clothes from the floor, put them in the bed and right under the clothes there was an envelope with more than what the son needed for the movies; his dad had put the money there earlier that day and wanted to surprise him and bless his son.
After the dad found the envelope he said: “Son, I found it; I keep it””
In Jeremiah 35 we are told about the Recabites, a group of people who took a vow never to drink. We see in verse 5 cups and jugs of wine were set before them, the temptation was probably great but as we keep reading we find out they didn’t succumb to the temptation, and studying further we find out that for hundreds of years before that moment they had been keeping that vow.
As we read the first few verses of Luke 4 we are told Jesus went to the wilderness and for 40 days Satan tempted him. Jesus was on earth on a mission and Satan was trying to divert Jesus from that mission and win his worship. And as we read further we learn Jesus didn’t succumb to the enemy’s temptation.
The last verses of Jeremiah 35 come with a promise and a blessing for the Recabites. God tells them that because of their obedience their descendants will serve the Lord. Imagine if God told you right now that your children, and your children’s children, and their children, and every child after that would serve Him and love Him; that’s a pretty exciting promise, it’s an absolute blessing to know your descendants will meet you up in heaven.
In Luke 4 verse 14 right after Jesus comes back from the wilderness it says He is filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. It is right after that when Jesus started His ministry. After he came back from the wilderness and won that one battle against temptation and sin, Jesus is blessed, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and he starts his ministry.
The story I shared at the beginning of this devotional is no different than your life or mine. God has blessings and amazing promises ready for us under our dirty laundry. All He’s asking us to do is pick up the mess, be obedient and follow His instruction. All throughout the Bible we see that obedience always equals blessing.
In which areas of your life are you missing out on a great blessing because you are succumbing to the temptation instead of succeeding in obedience?
Today I pray we have the strength of character to obey God. I pray that even though the temptation is always there, we will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to succeed in our battle against that temptation. Today I pray and declare we will receive the blessing God has prepared for us and is eagerly waiting for us to receive.
Much Love,
Jo
Tomorrow's Bible Reading - Ruth 1, Acts 26, Jeremiah 36, Luke 5
“A 15 year old boy reminded his father he had gotten permission to go to the movies the following Friday, and asked if he could get some money for the ticket and snacks. His father said the money was already set apart for him and asked him to go to his room and organize the mess of clothes that were all over the floor. The 15-year-old kid went over to his room started organizing but his computer made a very distinctive sound, a beep he knew very well. His friends were trying to chat with him, so organizing was put on break.
A couple of hours went by, the father walked by the room and after he realized the room was still looking as though a bomb of laundry had exploded he just smiled at his son and asked him to get ready for dinner in 45 minutes. His son remembered the task and started organizing but he found his PSP in the mess and without even thinking about it he turned it on and wasted his 45 minutes playing games. During dinner the son asked his father not to forget to give him the money to what the dad replied “Didn’t you find it?” the son looked at him quizzically and his father asked him to go to his room with him. His dad picked up all of the clothes from the floor, put them in the bed and right under the clothes there was an envelope with more than what the son needed for the movies; his dad had put the money there earlier that day and wanted to surprise him and bless his son.
After the dad found the envelope he said: “Son, I found it; I keep it””
In Jeremiah 35 we are told about the Recabites, a group of people who took a vow never to drink. We see in verse 5 cups and jugs of wine were set before them, the temptation was probably great but as we keep reading we find out they didn’t succumb to the temptation, and studying further we find out that for hundreds of years before that moment they had been keeping that vow.
As we read the first few verses of Luke 4 we are told Jesus went to the wilderness and for 40 days Satan tempted him. Jesus was on earth on a mission and Satan was trying to divert Jesus from that mission and win his worship. And as we read further we learn Jesus didn’t succumb to the enemy’s temptation.
The last verses of Jeremiah 35 come with a promise and a blessing for the Recabites. God tells them that because of their obedience their descendants will serve the Lord. Imagine if God told you right now that your children, and your children’s children, and their children, and every child after that would serve Him and love Him; that’s a pretty exciting promise, it’s an absolute blessing to know your descendants will meet you up in heaven.
In Luke 4 verse 14 right after Jesus comes back from the wilderness it says He is filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. It is right after that when Jesus started His ministry. After he came back from the wilderness and won that one battle against temptation and sin, Jesus is blessed, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and he starts his ministry.
The story I shared at the beginning of this devotional is no different than your life or mine. God has blessings and amazing promises ready for us under our dirty laundry. All He’s asking us to do is pick up the mess, be obedient and follow His instruction. All throughout the Bible we see that obedience always equals blessing.
In which areas of your life are you missing out on a great blessing because you are succumbing to the temptation instead of succeeding in obedience?
Today I pray we have the strength of character to obey God. I pray that even though the temptation is always there, we will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to succeed in our battle against that temptation. Today I pray and declare we will receive the blessing God has prepared for us and is eagerly waiting for us to receive.
Much Love,
Jo
Tomorrow's Bible Reading - Ruth 1, Acts 26, Jeremiah 36, Luke 5
Daily Bible Reading - Judges 20, Acts 24, Jeremiah 43, Luke 3
“ But I don’t want to bore you, so give me your attention for only a moment. We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazerenes.” Acts 24: 4-5
Yesterday at work I was doing some account research when I overheard the customer next to mine talking about their work. I kind of laughed to myself because the one giving the advice sounded pretty arrogant and ridiculous as he gave his coworker advise. From what I heard people were talking badly about this coworker at work and he was pretty upset about it and was trying to get to the root cause of the accusations against him and the arrogant guy’s advise was that if they were talking badly about him then he must be doing his job right. He kept saying this over and over to the other guy and I was appalled as I listened to it. I wanted to shout to the coworker of his and tell him not to listen to this guy because he was apparently out of his mind. My advise would have been to go to his bosses and find out what was the cause, maybe buy lunch for the associates and then apologize for anything he might have done, but I didn’t and they left and I went on with my day.
I had almost forgotten all about this interaction until I got home last night and began reading the daily bible reading for today so that I could write the devotional. I love the Bible because it always surprises you and I love that each time I read a scripture their is a reaction that happens, but the one I got when I read this scripture surprised me even more. As I read Acts 24:4-5 all of a sudden I was like, “YEAH! I want someone to say that about me, that is so cool.” It took me a few minutes to realize what I was really saying. In essence I wanted to have people call me names and lie about who I am and what I was doing. Who wants that?? Apparently as I read the scripture I did. Then out of curiousity I read the Amplified version which says:
But not to hinder or detain you too long, I beg you in your clemency and courtesy and kindness to grant us a brief adn concise hearing. For we have found this man a perfect pest (a real plague), and agitator and source of disturbance to all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the [heretical, division-producing] sect of the Nazerenes.
When I read that I got even more excited. I wanted to be called a perfect pest. I mean how cool would that be. I wonder if the religious leaders even realized what they were saying. How could a pest be perfect?
My home right now is a war zone and I think I finally might be winning. My foe is the Indian Meal Moth. The little brown moths that infest your pantry and kitchen. I am not sure how they got into our home or how they’ve managed to stay but someone they have and their ranks were on the increase. I came home from vacation last Monday and there was like twenty in the kitchen. Before you get too disgusted I am a very clean person. Cleaning is my stress relief and I am stressed often so my house tends to stay pretty clean. So imagine my confusion when we have this outbreak of moths in our home taking over my kitchen. I would not say those moths were perfect but at the same time I began to see what the religious leaders were saying, basically like a pest Paul was taking over. What the religious leaders thought was an insult was basically a compliment because that is what we are called to do.
We have been called to be the perfect pest, and agitator and source of disturbance for all people all over the world. Instead of do this though we often do the exact opposite. Like what my advise would have been for that guy, we try not to rock the boat we buy lunch and apologize even though we don’t know what we are apologizing for and we talk to people and see how we can offend them less. Jesus said he didnt come to bring peace but a sword. He came to shake things up and produce disciples that would turn the world upside down and begin to disturb the world out of their complacency and show introduce them to the savior, to agitate people so that they would no longer be comfortable in their sin.
Is this who we are? What are people saying about us? It’s time that more people started accusing us of being pests and agitators then people saying nothing at all.
Live Life Extraordinary,
Alayna
Tomorrows Bible Reading - Judges 21, Acts 25, Jeremiah 44, Luke 4
Daily Bible Reading: Judges 19, Acts 23, Jeremiah 42, Luke 2
I can understand why Jesus felt the need to withdraw often to pray. Many times throughout our day we can be bombarded with negativity. Whether it be from media, people, or the devil throwing thoughts our way--I know at least for me, I need a recharge! I need to be reminded of God’s goodness, his promises and his opinion of me.
When I was a new Christian, I thought that quoting scripture during times of discouragement was like the “self-talk” you hear about at motivational meetings or in self-help/inspiration books. To be honest, I didn’t buy it. Once I began to learn about the power--supernatural power--there is in the word of God, it changed my perspective drastically.
Did you know that the word of God is God? Did you know that when you read scripture you are filling yourself up with God? Did you know that when you speak scripture you are replacing lies with truth? John 1:1 tells us,“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
In Luke 2:34-35, Simeon came to visit the newborn Jesus: “Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The prophecy he spoke about Jesus was parallel to the scripture about the word of God in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Throughout the Bible, the word of God is often referred to as a sword. The scriptures are not just words on a page, they are not self-help talk, they are a weapon! The word is a sword against negativity, discouragement, deception and lies! We are not reading something inactive, purposeless and void but we are reading something that brings life, truth and clarity.
Pick up your sword today and read with expectation!
Mel Miller
I can understand why Jesus felt the need to withdraw often to pray. Many times throughout our day we can be bombarded with negativity. Whether it be from media, people, or the devil throwing thoughts our way--I know at least for me, I need a recharge! I need to be reminded of God’s goodness, his promises and his opinion of me.
When I was a new Christian, I thought that quoting scripture during times of discouragement was like the “self-talk” you hear about at motivational meetings or in self-help/inspiration books. To be honest, I didn’t buy it. Once I began to learn about the power--supernatural power--there is in the word of God, it changed my perspective drastically.
Did you know that the word of God is God? Did you know that when you read scripture you are filling yourself up with God? Did you know that when you speak scripture you are replacing lies with truth? John 1:1 tells us,“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
In Luke 2:34-35, Simeon came to visit the newborn Jesus: “Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The prophecy he spoke about Jesus was parallel to the scripture about the word of God in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Throughout the Bible, the word of God is often referred to as a sword. The scriptures are not just words on a page, they are not self-help talk, they are a weapon! The word is a sword against negativity, discouragement, deception and lies! We are not reading something inactive, purposeless and void but we are reading something that brings life, truth and clarity.
Pick up your sword today and read with expectation!
Mel Miller
Bible Reading - Judges 18, Acts 22, Jeremiah 41, Luke 1
The other night I started to grow discouraged. My mind has a tendency to wander and sometimes over think things. At the beginning of the year God had spoke to me a couple things and I believed them whole heartedly and I was so excited about it. I wrote blogs and journaled about the things God was speaking to me. Everything in me confirmed what God was speaking was going to happen this year.
Now 8 months through my faith is waivering and Im not so sure. I definitely didn’t think God was going to wait until the last minute. This year is passing by so fast and it is almost the last quarter and I haven’t even seen a smidgen of what God was speaking about. Where I was excited and faith now I’m a little anxious and maybe even disappointed. Where I used to be dreaming about it with excitement now I try not to think about it because I’ll begin to get discouraged.
Luke 1 introduces us to Zecheriah and Elizabeth. They were unable to conceive children and they were very old. Just think I am growing weary already in waiting for my dream, I wonder how they felt. This hadn’t been just 8 months or just 8 years for them, but they were long past the age to bear children. It had been a long time and in everyones eyes they weren’t able to bear children anymore. How easy would it be to just stop believing that it would ever happen? I mean they probably prayed for kids when they were first having trouble and continued to pray all throughout their normal childbearing years. Now it’s long past that though and we know that Zecheriah and Elizabeth were still praying about it and believing for it to happen. In this microwave culture were we want it now not later this amazes me. Because of their endurance and steadfastness they continue to believe and God rewards their belief.
The angel Gabriel shows up and announces that they will birth a son and sure enough it happens. My favorite verse in this whole thing happens when Mary, who also just found out she will be giving birth but to the Christ, comes to visit Elizabeth. As Elizabeth rejoices prophetically she says this in verse 45, “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
I don’t know where you are at today but I know that verse hit me hard. Even though the promises of God and the dreams I have are in my eyes a bit delayed I know they were spoken by God so regardless of my time schedule I should believe. It might now happen this year, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is faithful and he will do what he said in his perfect timing.
Wherever you are in the process of your dream. Keep believing that the Lord would do what he said.
Live Life Extraordinary,
Alayna
Tomorrows Bible Reading
Judges 19, Acts 23, Jeremiah 42, Luke 2
Daily Bible Reading: Judges 16, Acts 20, Jeremiah 39, Mark 15
In Judges 16, Delilah had pestered Samson to divulge where his strength came from. After trying to lie to her a few times, he finally grew weary and gave in, telling her that if his head was shaved his strength would be gone since it was a part of his consecration to the Lord as a Nazarite.
Then Delilah said (vs. 20) “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” So he awoke from his sleep, and said, “I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.”
God had put a special grace on Sampson’s life, anointing him with incredible strength. Sampson had become so accustom to having this grace on his life that he took it for granted. Even after his hair was cut he assumed that he would be able to shake himself free, not even realizing that the Lord was no longer with him. If you continue to read the story, Sampson was captured by the Philistines and they gouged his eyes out. At the end, he realizes his dependence on God and ends up defeating them.
I will never forget a time in college when I was asked to speak to another college ministry. There was an amazing message by a conference speaker that I thought was eloquent, funny and impressive. Instead of truly seeking the Lord for a revelation straight from him, I basically reproduced this message (looking back, it’s quite embarrassing!) God has placed a grace on my life to communicate, but that night--it was absent! I felt what it was like to do something in my own strength, and without his grace and revelation there was no power to my words! My roommates at the time gave me a hug and a sympathetic pat on the back but said nothing about the message. I knew it was the Lord giving me a glimpse of what it was like to operate outside of his grace. That day serves as a remembrance to me to never loose the desperation for his presence and his grace when I speak. I am learning dependence on Him not just when I speak but in every area of my life! Isn't life so much better when we refuse to do it on our own strength?
What about you? Has God ever given you a reminder to be dependant on Him? Has He ever lifted his grace in your life for a moment to show you how desperately you need Him?
I would love to hear your stories!
Mel Miller
In Judges 16, Delilah had pestered Samson to divulge where his strength came from. After trying to lie to her a few times, he finally grew weary and gave in, telling her that if his head was shaved his strength would be gone since it was a part of his consecration to the Lord as a Nazarite.
Then Delilah said (vs. 20) “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” So he awoke from his sleep, and said, “I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.”
God had put a special grace on Sampson’s life, anointing him with incredible strength. Sampson had become so accustom to having this grace on his life that he took it for granted. Even after his hair was cut he assumed that he would be able to shake himself free, not even realizing that the Lord was no longer with him. If you continue to read the story, Sampson was captured by the Philistines and they gouged his eyes out. At the end, he realizes his dependence on God and ends up defeating them.
I will never forget a time in college when I was asked to speak to another college ministry. There was an amazing message by a conference speaker that I thought was eloquent, funny and impressive. Instead of truly seeking the Lord for a revelation straight from him, I basically reproduced this message (looking back, it’s quite embarrassing!) God has placed a grace on my life to communicate, but that night--it was absent! I felt what it was like to do something in my own strength, and without his grace and revelation there was no power to my words! My roommates at the time gave me a hug and a sympathetic pat on the back but said nothing about the message. I knew it was the Lord giving me a glimpse of what it was like to operate outside of his grace. That day serves as a remembrance to me to never loose the desperation for his presence and his grace when I speak. I am learning dependence on Him not just when I speak but in every area of my life! Isn't life so much better when we refuse to do it on our own strength?
What about you? Has God ever given you a reminder to be dependant on Him? Has He ever lifted his grace in your life for a moment to show you how desperately you need Him?
I would love to hear your stories!
Mel Miller
Daily Bible Reading: Judges 15, Acts 19, Jeremiah 38, Mark 14
The Fragrance of Jesus
Before Jesus went to Jerusalem to be crucified he went to the home of his friends in Bethany; the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. (Mark 14:1-10. See John 12:1-8 which also contains the same story to fill in some of the details.) While he was there Mary took an expensive bottle of nard, broke it, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with the hairs of her head. The value of this was about one-year’s wages and was possibly part of Mary’s dowry. It was extremely fragrant and filled the whole room with its fragrance. Not only was the room filled with the fragrance but as Mary wiped the feet of Jesus, she and Jesus began to have the same fragrance. Mary smelled just like Jesus.
After the ascension of Jesus when the disciples were brought before the Sanhedrin because of their preaching, those questioning them “took note that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13.
2 Corinthians 2:14 says “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.”
Who do you “smell” like? Do you smell like the world of do you spread the fragrance of Jesus wherever you go? Do people take note that you have been with Jesus?
When Jacob’s sons went out and killed the Canaanite males after making a treaty with them, Jacob told them they had made him a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites and the people living in the land. (Gen. 34:30) They had acted dishonorably. Do our actions bring reproach upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and instead of being a fragrance of Him, we cause the Gospel to be a stench to people?
The Lord is looking for people who will become drenched with him, and everywhere they go they cannot help but spread the sweet-smelling fragrance of Jesus. If we are spending time with Jesus and becoming immersed in his presence and His Word, we cannot help but spreading his fragrance, just as Mary could not hide the fragrance of the nard that clung to her after she had ministered to Jesus.
The choice should not be too difficult, but it is our choice.
God is good all the time,
Naomi Brinkman
Today's Bible Reading - Judges 15, Acts 19, Jeremiah 28, Mark 14
Tomorrows Bible Reading - Judges 16, Acts 20, Jeremiah 29, Mark 15
Dream Big
Ben
Tomorrows Bible Reading - Judges 16, Acts 20, Jeremiah 29, Mark 15
Dream Big
Ben
Bible Reading - Judges 13, Acts 17, Jeremiah 26, Mark 12
Judges 13 shows us the story surrounding the birth of Samson. What is incredible is that technically Samson shouldn't have been born as his mother was unable to have children. Even then Samson was called and destined for a specific task. The Bible just says that Manoah and his wife were unable to become pregnant and had no children. They might have been praying for children, but the Bible just leads us to believe that it was just that matter of fact so I believe they had just given up on the idea. Though their faith might not have been there to have children, God knew Samson and needed him, so God intervened. He sent His angel to tell Manoah that they would have a child but this child would have a purpose so he would have to live differently.
I love this story because we all know Samson. Samson was super strong but the Lord had instructed his parents and him not to cut his hair because that was where his strength came from. Then along the way to his destiny of rescuing Israel from the Philistines he meets the dreaded Delilah that tricks him and she cuts his hair.
Too often I’ve read this story as a story about Samson when in reality it is a story about us. We’ve all been called and destined for a specific task. Read Psalm 139 and you will start getting the picture. Because God knows us and knows the purposes for our life he has set up guidelines for us to follow called the Bible. Often times though we get frustrated with it thinking that it is a book of rules and of cannots, when really we should change our focus. Rather it is a book full of key principles for success so that we may attain our dreams. Most would argue that Samson's strength was in his hair but I believe that it was more in his obedience to God to not cut his hair that was his strength. As we obey God and his principles he will give us the strength and determination to accomplish our goals.
We all slip up from time to time. After all Samson did let himself into a compromising situation which led to his hair getting cut, but the God we serve is a great God that wants us to fulfill our purposes even though we fall and stumble sometime and make stupid mistakes all hope is not lost. As we continue to submit and obey to His Word just like Samson our hair will begin to grow again so that we can achieve our dreams and fulfill our destiny.
Keep in mind today that you are not on this earth just to get by and suck air, but from the time we were born God called us for a purpose. As you seek him and obey his Word He will give you the desires of your heart that you might have not even realized were there.
Tomorrows Reading- Judges 14, Acts 18, Jeremiah 27, Mark 13
Live Life Extraordinary,
Alayna
Judges 13 shows us the story surrounding the birth of Samson. What is incredible is that technically Samson shouldn't have been born as his mother was unable to have children. Even then Samson was called and destined for a specific task. The Bible just says that Manoah and his wife were unable to become pregnant and had no children. They might have been praying for children, but the Bible just leads us to believe that it was just that matter of fact so I believe they had just given up on the idea. Though their faith might not have been there to have children, God knew Samson and needed him, so God intervened. He sent His angel to tell Manoah that they would have a child but this child would have a purpose so he would have to live differently.
I love this story because we all know Samson. Samson was super strong but the Lord had instructed his parents and him not to cut his hair because that was where his strength came from. Then along the way to his destiny of rescuing Israel from the Philistines he meets the dreaded Delilah that tricks him and she cuts his hair.
Too often I’ve read this story as a story about Samson when in reality it is a story about us. We’ve all been called and destined for a specific task. Read Psalm 139 and you will start getting the picture. Because God knows us and knows the purposes for our life he has set up guidelines for us to follow called the Bible. Often times though we get frustrated with it thinking that it is a book of rules and of cannots, when really we should change our focus. Rather it is a book full of key principles for success so that we may attain our dreams. Most would argue that Samson's strength was in his hair but I believe that it was more in his obedience to God to not cut his hair that was his strength. As we obey God and his principles he will give us the strength and determination to accomplish our goals.
We all slip up from time to time. After all Samson did let himself into a compromising situation which led to his hair getting cut, but the God we serve is a great God that wants us to fulfill our purposes even though we fall and stumble sometime and make stupid mistakes all hope is not lost. As we continue to submit and obey to His Word just like Samson our hair will begin to grow again so that we can achieve our dreams and fulfill our destiny.
Keep in mind today that you are not on this earth just to get by and suck air, but from the time we were born God called us for a purpose. As you seek him and obey his Word He will give you the desires of your heart that you might have not even realized were there.
Tomorrows Reading- Judges 14, Acts 18, Jeremiah 27, Mark 13
Live Life Extraordinary,
Alayna
Bible Reading - Judges 12, Acts 16, Jeremiah 25, Mark 11
Power of Praise (Video Devo)
Today's devotional is taken out of Acts 16. In this devotional I talk briefly about the power of our praise, because prayer brings our request to God but praise brings God to our request.
Tomorrows Reading - Judges 13, Acts 17, Jeremiah 26, Mark 12
Dream Big
Ben
Power of Praise (Video Devo)
Today's devotional is taken out of Acts 16. In this devotional I talk briefly about the power of our praise, because prayer brings our request to God but praise brings God to our request.
Tomorrows Reading - Judges 13, Acts 17, Jeremiah 26, Mark 12
Dream Big
Ben
Mark 10 tells us the account of Blind Bartimaeus. This is a story I remember from Sunday School when I was a little girl, and also from telling it myself in numerous Sunday School classes through the years. I really admire the faith of Bartimaeus.
Evidently he had heard about Jesus as His fame was spreading throughout the country. Jesus was leaving Jerusalem with his disciples and a large crowd followed him. The commotion caused Bartimaeus, who was sitting along side the road begging to know that something was going on. When he heard it was Jesus he really got excited and began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” He began to SHOUT. He wasn’t shy about it, he wasn’t timid, he wasn’t afraid to voice his need.
People tried to get him to shut up but he shouted louder. This caught the attention of Jesus who said “Call him.” Notice Bartimaeus’ reaction. He threw aside his cloak and jumped to his feet. He wasn’t wasting any time. When Jesus asked him what he wanted Jesus to do for him, he said “I want to see.” Jesus healed him instantly.
I think Jesus is saying the same thing to us. “What do you want me to do for you?” With each of us the answer will be different. I know what I want Jesus to do for me and I am praying for that daily. But we have to ask, and be specific. Jesus wants us to voice our requests. We have to know what we want; not just a generality. I haven’t received the instant answer to my prayer that Bartimaeus received, but I know He’s hearing me because Scripture says when we pray He hears!! I know in God’s time He will answer. I’m just learning patience.
Sometimes we have to take possession of what the Lord has given us. This was the case in Judges 11. Jephthah answered the Ammonite king when he requested that Israel give territory back to him that he felt had been taken away from him. Jephthah answered, “Whatever the Lord our God has given us, we will possess. (Verse 24).
Has the Lord spoken a promise to your heart? Possess it!! Do you feel there is something he has given you? Possess it. Don’t let the enemy take it from you, like that Ammonite king wanted to do with Israel, because Satan is in the business of stealing from God’s people. Jesus said Satan is a thief and comes only steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10)
What do you want from the Lord? Possess what he already has given you.
Tomorrows Bible Reading - Judges 12, Acts 16, Jeremiah 25, Mark 11
God is good all the time,
Naomi Brinkman
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