Daily Devotion, Daily Wisdom

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October 14, 2011

Devotional:
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34 (KJV)

Jesus reminds us of the incredible importance of teaching. While we might have expected miracles or wonders arising out of Jesus' compassion, what shepherd-less sheep most need is good, solid, down to earth, practical teaching from a teacher who knows them and cares for them.

PRAYER:
Almighty God, please bless your Church with dynamic, compassionate, and effective teachers. Please give your people, your sheep, a hunger for your Word and a willingness to put it into practice in our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Wisdom:
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 (KJV)

 

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October 15, 2011

Devotional:
[[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.]] Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. Psalm 109:1-2 (KJV)

Satan has a way of discouraging us by using unscrupulous and evil people to spread lies and false rumors about us. This often occurs when we are most effective in our discipleship. We must not let the criticisms of wicked people derail our efforts to please the eternal and almighty God!

PRAYER:
Please, dear God, silence the gossips, slanderers, and liars empowered by Satan to wound and maim me. Not only defeat what is evil, but please empower all that is good in my life. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:13 (KJV)

 

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October 17, 2011

Devotional:
The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding. Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

We look for wisdom in so many worthless and futile places. But ultimate wisdom is found only when we intentionally humble ourselves before our incredible God, giving him the reverence and worship he deserves.

PRAYER:
Magnificent and awesome God, the great expanse of space and the incredible intricacies of the things in your creation that are so small humble me to silence. Please forgive my lapses into ignorant arrogance and lead me in the way of your wisdom. In Jesus name. Amen.


Wisdom:
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Proverbs 3:1-2 (KJV)

 

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October 18, 2011

Devotional:
O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV)

While we may have goals and a sense of mission about our lives, our lives are not really ours to plan. Every day must be greeted as a gift from God. Every goal must ultimately be pursued to his glory. Every true sense of direction is a gift to us from our Father's Word or his Spirit.

PRAYER:
Wise and loving Father, lead me by your Holy Spirit. Fill me with your holy wisdom. Guide me into a more complete understanding of your will for my life. Please give me the wisdom to live each day with character and holy grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12 (KJV)

 

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October 19, 2011

Devotional:
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5 (KJV)

Water and Spirit -- they track together as key components in conversion and the new birth throughout the New Testament. One is an act of submission and surrender. The other is a gift and reminder that only God can make us new by his power. No wonder Jesus made them so important to being a part of his Kingdom.

PRAYER:
Holy and righteous Father, I acknowledge that my best efforts often fail and my consistency isn't always consistent. That's why I'm so thankful you have given me your grace in Jesus and made me new by my spiritual birth into your family. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

 

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October 20, 2011

Devotional:
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 (KJV)

I can't think of a more lofty goal for today than that the name of Jesus be glorified in what we do and say. But then Paul takes it a step further -- that we find our glory by being identified with him! As the famed old hymn "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" says it, "My glory all the cross."

PRAYER:
Father of majesty and might, please help me as I strive to plan what my daily activities will be and then prioritize those activities so that my focus and passion are on bringing you glory in all that I do, think, and say. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Blessed [are] they that keep judgment, [and] he that doeth righteousness at all times. Psalm 106:3 (KJV)

 

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October 21, 2011

Devotional:
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 34:11 (KJV)

What better goal for a father or mother could there be? Even if you have no children of your own, or if your "own" children are grown, God gives you his children at your congregation so you can teach them to love, honor, and reverence their one and only heavenly Father.

PRAYER:
Loving Father, help me to be involved in teaching your children and as I teach, please bless my efforts to teach them to love, honor, and reverence you, the one true and holy God. In Jesus' name I ask for this help and grace. Amen.


Wisdom:
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20 (KJV)

 

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October 22, 2011

Devotional:
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. Proverbs 10:2 (KJV)

My mom regularly reminded my brothers and me as we grew up that sin is often a false shortcut to a good thing. In a similar way, the Holy Spirit reminds us that falsely acquired riches are not the path to a rich and full life, which can only be truly acquired through godliness.

PRAYER:
Generous and loving Father, please forgive me for getting caught up in envy and the culture of affluence. Please use your Spirit to develop in me the patience and righteousness I need to resist the deceptions of Satan and to pursue the fullness of life you long to bring me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.


Wisdom:
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Pet. 1:13 (KJV)

 

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October 24, 2011

Devotional:
And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. Luke 4:43 (KJV)

When you think about the large cities of our modern world, what do you think about? Jesus sees them, and passionately yearns for the lost people in those great cities to be saved!

PRAYER:
Most holy and loving God, revive in us, your Church, a passion to reach the lost people of the world's great cities with the gospel and grace of your Son. In the name of the world's only true Lord and Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

 

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October 25, 2011

Devotional:
Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Psalm 105:4 (KJV)

When we honestly evaluate where we use our time, how we spend our money, what we think about most often, and where we put forth our best efforts, what do we find? Is God our consuming passion? Is he our first love?

PRAYER:
O mighty Lord, it is hard not to be able to see your face, yet I know my imperfection makes that impossible in light of your awesome holiness. Until that Day I see you face to face in heaven, please make your presence known in my life as I seek you with all of my heart. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones. Proverbs 12:4 (KJV)

 

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October 26, 2011

Devotional:
Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. Zechariah 11:17 (KJV)

Church leadership is such an awesome and sobering responsibility and should be conducted with reverential humility. Those seeking status or privilege by becoming church leaders need to know that the Chief Shepherd, when he comes in his glory, will deal harshly with anyone who has abused God's people or misused this incredibly important trust, while generously rewarding those who are faithful.

PRAYER:
Loving Shepherd, please bless your church with qualified shepherds who love you and passionately care for your sheep and please give these faithful leaders a sense of your nearness and your pleasure as they faithfully carry out their responsibilities to you and to your sheep. In the name of Jesus, your Lamb that was slain for our sins, I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 (KJV)

 

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October 27, 2011

Devotional:
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4 (KJV)

What a wonderful blessing it is to be led by godly, loving shepherds. But as much as we love them and show them respect, they will receive even greater appreciation in heaven!

PRAYER:
O glorious God, please bless every faithful and concerned leader in your Church with a clear sense of your blessing and appreciation. Please use me to show this love to your faithful servants as well. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14 (KJV)

 

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October 28, 2011

Devotional:
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. John 1:41-42 (KJV)

Andrew was always bringing people to Jesus. Except for that fact, and that he was Simon Peter's brother and a fisherman, that's about all we know about this apostle. But isn't that the kind of reputation you would like to have!

PRAYER:
God of all salvation, please bless me as I seek to share Jesus with my friends and family. Please help me earn the reputation that Andrew had, someone who is always leading others to Christ. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:4 (KJV)

 

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October 29, 2011

Devotional:
Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? [who] can shew forth all his praise? Psalm 106:2 (KJV)

"Almighty!" That's one of the names for God. He is everything we can imagine that is good, right, and holy. But he is so much more! He is more than we can imagine and so much more than we can declare. Even our greatest moments of praise are great understatements of his glory.

PRAYER:
El Shaddai, the One True and Almighty God, you are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise! Thank you for hearing my feeble attempts at praise and being pleased and blessed with my love and my effort. You are too marvelous for my words and beyond my mind's comprehension. I gladly rest my hope and my future in you! In Jesus' name I praise. Amen.


Wisdom:
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 1 John 4:21 (KJV)

 

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October 31, 2011

Devotional:
O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10:24 (KJV)

God is love! God is also holy and righteous! If he did not lovingly and tenderly correct us, none of us could survive before his awesome perfection. Yet our God has chosen to give us his undeserved mercy and kindness as he corrects us and molds us to be more like him.

PRAYER:
Holy and righteous Father, I truly do want to become more like you in my daily character; but please, dear Father, humble and correct me gently for you know how small I am compared to you. In the name of my Savior, your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
The fining pot [is] for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. Proverbs 17:3 (KJV)

 

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November 1, 2011

Devotional:
And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. And this [man] shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.
Micah 5:4-5 (KJV)

When Jesus proclaims that he is the ''Good Shepherd," he means that he will lay down his life for us! For us, however, it means all that Micah promised -- strength, majesty, security and peace.

PRAYER:
Loving and eternal God, thank you so very much for sending Jesus to be my sacrificial Shepherd. In a world gone crazy, his strength sustains me, his majesty overwhelms me, and in him I find my security and peace as I face the future. In the name of Jesus I thank you. Amen.


Wisdom:
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 (KJV)

 

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November 2, 2011

Devotional:
O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD. Jeremiah 22:29 (KJV)

What is absolutely essential for your country and your people to experience revival? First, the Spirit of God must move in a mighty way. Second, the people must open their hearts to hear and respond to the Word of the Lord. So let's commit to pray together, all over the world, that our people will open their hearts to the Spirit and the Word of God!

PRAYER:
Holy and Almighty God, please move powerfully in our day to bring revival. Open the hearts of the peoples to your truth and enable those who proclaim your Word to speak your truth with power. Please use me to help make a difference in the lives of those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 1 Peter 1:24 (KJV)

 

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November 3, 2011

Devotional:
And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. Ezekiel 36:23 (KJV)

Ever wondered what would happen if all of God's people from every nation would humble themselves in repentance and ask God to reveal his holiness to the nations?

PRAYER:
Almighty and holy God, I am so sorry for my sins that have tarnished your witness through me to my friends. I am sorry for the sins of my nation and how we have turned from your way. Please forgive us and move in a mighty way to reveal yourself in our day, in all your holiness. In the name of Christ Jesus I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (KJV)

 

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November 4, 2011

Devotional:
We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Psalm 106:6 (KJV)

Sin is nothing new. The candor of Scripture allows us to see the stupidities and rebelliousness of God's people in the past. We can be convicted by their lost opportunities and the disasters they brought upon themselves. We can also be reminded how little difference there often is between them and us.

PRAYER:
Father, I know my sin, my rebellion, and my unfaithfulness have hurt you and your cause today every bit as much as the sins of those in the Bible hurt in the past. Please forgive and strengthen me as I seek to live a life holy and pleasing to you and a blessing to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion [is] vain. James 1:26 (KJV)

 

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November 5, 2011

Devotional:
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

We have been set free! We are delivered from law, sin, and death. We have been set free to serve God and share in his grace eternally. So how will we use that freedom?

PRAYER:
God of freedom and grace, please give me your Spirit of wisdom to understand more fully all the ways that you have blessed me. Please help me use those blessings to share your grace with my family and friends. May I never take for granted your gifts or abuse my freedoms won at such great cost. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (KJV)

 

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November 7, 2011

Devotional:
in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith [fn]in Him. Ephesians 3:12 (KJV)

In Christ we are given so many freedoms -- freedom from law, sin, death, etc. But one of the greatest freedoms we have is to boldly come before the Creator of the universe, the God of all time and creation, and speak openly and confidently with him. Incredibly, we mortals can enter God's world with our problems and be confident that he hears us and cares about our concerns.

PRAYER:
Almighty and most holy God, I know that without your grace and attentive care my requests to you would go unheeded. But I also am confident that because I am your child, my requests matter to you. Thank you for hearing my prayers each day. Thank you for caring about my concerns. Thank you for being patient with my impatience and tender with my frustrations. Most of all, Father, thank you for the freedom to do what I have no right or power to do -- to invade your world with my concerns and be welcomed by you there. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Wisdom:
But He said, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God." Luke 18:27 (KJV)

 

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November 8, 2011

Devotional:
In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Isaiah 6:1 (KJV)

We often view difficult times, crisis times, as bad because the circumstances we face are very hard. But difficult times can also be an opportunity for our hearts to re-awaken to the steadfastness and the gloriousness of God, as well as our great need for him in our lives. The crisis of Uzziah's death for Israel and Isaiah became the great opportunity for Isaiah to see God in a fresh way and to be called into a special ministry for God. How can God use your crises, hardships, trials, and difficulties? Why don't you ask him to show you!

PRAYER:
Holy God, I confess that I get discouraged enduring hardships. I sometimes wonder where you are and why you have forgotten me. Deep in my heart, dear Father, I know you are there. But sometimes, O God, it is difficult to keep my faith burning brightly when I don't hear your voice or see you face to face. Please strengthen my heart with your Holy Spirit and help me "see" you in a fresh way so that I will open myself to you and be tuned more perfectly for your service. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (KJV)

 

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November 9, 2011

Devotional:
Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:2-3 (KJV)

Jesus taught us that worship is not about a place, but about our Father (John 4:21-24). Knowing that our Father is worshipped by the heavenly hosts should inspire us, humble us, and motivate us to do the same, no matter where we may find ourselves. Above all other qualities, God is holy. Three times the heavenly beings acknowledge his holiness -- he is special, undefiled, pure, perfect, and something much more than everyday and mundane. His glory fills the earth and sky. He is bigger than all we can imagine. He is worthy of our worship, reverence, and awe.

PRAYER:
Holy God, Holy Father, Holy King of the ages, I praise you for the wonderful gift of your grace. I know that in comparison to your glory, I am not worthy to be in your presence. But you have made me worthy and holy by the sacrificial blood of Jesus, the Lamb slain for my sins. Thank you for this incredible gift so that I may worship you as I should! In Jesus' name I praise you. Amen.


Wisdom:
Aleph. How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the LORD. Psalm 119:1 (KJV)

 

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November 10, 2011

Devotional:
Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." Isaiah 6:5 (KJV)

In a time when God's name is so readily taken in vain, this passage has a refreshing bite to it: God is so much greater than we are, so much more holy than we can be. To come into his presence should make us instantly realize how utterly sinful we have been and how unworthy we are to be in the presence of the King of Glory. To experience God, to stand before his awesome presence, or to be aware of his holiness is to be humbled and awed. God's name, God's holiness, God's majesty, and our need for reverence in his presence are suddenly no longer theory; they become our life's passion!

PRAYER:
O Almighty God, forgive me for the times that I have not taken seriously your holiness and honor. Forgive me for using your holy name in ways that do not honor and glorify you. Forgive me for not treasuring the many names you have used to reveal your greatness in Scripture. Forgive me because I know my imperfections, my shortcomings, my failures, and my sinfulness. Forgive me, for without your grace, your holiness would be much too pure for me to survive. I ask for your forgiveness in the name of your holy Son, Jesus. Amen.


Wisdom:
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)

 

[baddison]

November 11, 2011

Devotional:
Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven." Isaiah 6:6-7 (KJV)

When we put the bread and wine to our lips during the Lord's Supper, God tells us that our "guilt has been taken away" and our "sin has been atoned for." The Holy One, in his grace, did what we could never do: he provided the perfect Sacrifice for our sin with his own Son. Our holiness, our righteousness, and our perfection are not won through our efforts on earth, but by the one who came from heaven's altar and gave his life so that we might be the righteousness of God (see 2 Cor. 5:21).

PRAYER:
O precious and loving Father, thank you for your perfect sacrifice for my sins. Please use me to help others know of your incredible gift that allows them to stand before you holy and without any stain of sin. To you be all glory, honor, thanks, and praise in the name of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.


Wisdom:
"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 (KJV)

 

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November 12, 2011

Devotional:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8 (KJV)

Church worship on Sunday is not the goal of our life here on earth. As important as church worship and personal praise are, they are only part of our goal. We are here to glorify God with both our lips and our lives, with our hearts and our hands. With the world around us caught up in Satan's traps, God wants us to hear his call to us in our church and private worship and respond by saying, "Here am I. Use me!" Then he wants us to enter the world redemptively, making a difference in our "public worship" of ministry.

PRAYER:
Loving God, Rock and Refuge of my soul, thank you for giving me the experiences I've had in my life. Thank you for the abilities you placed in me while you fashioned me in my mother's womb. Thank you for the gifts your Spirit molded in me when I became your child. Now, dear Father, please help me to know how and where I am to use these gifts in your Kingdom and to bless those in the world, so that I can help bring others to you, help build up the Body of Christ, and bless your people. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

 

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November 14, 2011

Devotional:
Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2 (KJV)

So many of us are so richly blessed -- if not by physical and financial blessings, then most definitely by God's gracious spiritual blessings. The Lord has done great things for us! Let's praise him with songs of praise and lives full of laughter and joy!

PRAYER:
Generous and gracious Father, thank you so much for the many ways you have blessed me. Your gift of salvation through your Son Jesus is so incredible and gives me hope and confidence for the future. May all the physical and financial blessings you've shared with me bring glory to you, not me! In Jesus' name. Amen.


Wisdom:
For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

 

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November 15, 2011

Devotional:
Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. Proverbs 23:22 (KJV)

"Honor your father and mother." This is basic to God's plan for our lives. When families are built within God's covenant of grace, respect and obedience by children toward their parents is a blessing to the children! As adults, we preserve the dignity of our parents and teach our children important life-lessons when we honor and respect them appropriately. Let's not get swept up in our era of parent-bashing. Let's bless our parents in ways that honor God. (If your parents were ungodly or abusive, find older folks in your church family for your emotional and spiritual support, while in as many ways as is possible treat your physical parents with honesty, respect, and integrity.)

PRAYER:
Loving Father and eternal God, thank you for my parents -- physical and/or spiritual. Bless them with what they most need to find their way home to you. Give me wisdom to know how best to show my love and respect to them. Most of all, Father, please help them to see that my love and character come from you. In Jesus' name pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the [fn]king. 1 Peter 2:17 (KJV)

 

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November 16, 2011

Devotional:
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)

How do you command the respect of others when you are young? You don't! You earn that respect by the character and quality of your life. Those of us who are older must recognize and validate younger Christians who are people of character and faith. Those of us who are younger, need to live a life of character that cannot be questioned. Character, morality, faith, and loving kindness are essential attributes of the Christian, no matter his or her age.

PRAYER:
Holy God, I thank you for those in our church family who are young and stand for your character and who live godly lives despite pressure from their peers to do otherwise. Father, I also thank you for those who are older in the faith, who have given me a chance to use my gifts and who have influenced and encouraged me in my spiritual growth. Please help us keep our church united in mission and purpose across the different age groups, to your glory and for the growth of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:25 (KJV)

 

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November 17, 2011

Devotional:
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, 1 Timothy 5:1 (KJV)

There is an eagerness, passion, and a clear sense of purpose that can go with being young -- headstrong, untested, and rash is how some who are older might describe it. There is a surety with age because of tried and true methods proven over time -- staid, predictable, and unmovable is how some who are younger might describe it. These differences can cause tension and conflict; yet both have something to be learned from the other. No matter how mistaken an older Christian may be, he or she should be treated with the respect that comes from a life proven in faith. But older Christians must also be willing to receive correction from a younger one, especially if it is done prayerfully by a young believer who has demonstrated his humility, love, and respect toward those who are older.

PRAYER:
O Eternal Father, God of my ancestors' history and the assurance of my future, please help me be a person of integrity, especially when I deal with those who are not of my age group. May I be respectful and careful with my tone as I speak with those who are older. May I be pliable and open to change when confronted with my errors by those who are younger. Most of all, Father, please lead those people into my life who will love me enough to forgive my errors and also love me enough to point them out to me and to help me grow beyond them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


Wisdom:
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2 (KJV)