Tag Devotions

Be Present Today

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Over and over, we begin again. —Banana Yoshimoto

Yesterday, we did the best that we could. Yesterday is over. We have slept. We think we know some of what today will hold. We may boil water in the same kitchen, take the same route to work, see some of the faces we usually see.

Along with the predictable, there may be a thousand unexpected experiences; a new color in the sky, a smile answering our own, a phrase of music, a sense of willingness rising within us to do something differently.

Let’s take some deep, slow breaths and begin the day with faith that whatever it brings, we’ll be present for it.

— Today’s Gift / Hazelden

Violation Of The Tongue

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It is a violation of the tongues creative design to degrade, denigrate, demean, or destroy.

It is even a violation to excessively express its discontentment and criticism.

The tongue was formed exclusively —or at least, primarily— to bless.

It was given to bless others, and to bless God.

In doing so, it will bless our own selves.

Kind words also produce their image on men’s souls; and a beautiful image it is! ~ Blaise Pascal

We use our tongue to praise God our Father and then turn around and curse a person who was made in His very image! Out of the same mouth we pour out words of praise one minute and curses the next. My brothers and sister, this should never be! —James 3:9-10 TPT

#TodaysTakeaways from Chris Tiegreen / The One Year Walk With God Devotional

Once Random And Reckless

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Sin is a tragic defamation of the character of our Father.

The one who fears God begins to see sin as ugly graffiti defacing the divine property and as high treason against the divine plan.

For God-fearers, that will unsettle their minds, and gnaw at their sensibilities.

God is not a God we are to be terrified of but One who captivates us in reverence and awe.

When we start to see these things it sobers us up from the once random once reckless existence. We begin to truly see things as they are, and we can never take life or sin casually again.

Don’t take His grace for granted …

Sin is not tolerable.

Stop being careless.

Let any symptom of fearlessness of God alarm you.

When we respect God deeply we will be blessed. ❤️

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. — Psalm 128:1

Fear the Lord, then, and you will do everything well. —Herman’s

My #TodaysTakeaways from Chris Tiegreen Devotional The One Year Walk With God

Foolishness

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When Jesus was confronted with the fear of death after fasting for 40 days, he conquered the fear by bringing into the situation the fact that “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  

Not to be easily vanquished, the enemy appealed to another human weakness, our propensity toward foolish behavior. Jesus wisely responded, “You shall not tempt the Lord Thy God.”

We “tempt God” when we behave foolishly or presumptuously and expect God to rescue us. We are tempting him to not help us when it is in his nature and character to render assistance whenever possible. He just doesn’t like it when we purposely put ourselves in harm’s way and then expect him to come through for us.

He expects us to do our part and act prudently, and, then, he will do his part and see us through difficult times.

So, he conquered the fear of death with faith, and then he conquered foolishness with the fear of God.

It is written that “The fear of God is to depart from evil.”  Also, “With humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.” And lastly, “Because there is forgiveness with God, he is to be feared.”

By holding on to God’s promises and nurturing a healthy and wholesome fear of Our Father, we, too, can overcome two of the enemy’s most potent weapons – the fear of death and the temptation of foolishness.

~ Brad Heilhecker

Honored

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Jesus said, “He who serves me, my Father will honor.” Also, “He who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.”  

That seems to be the point he is making: we are to be serving Christ and seeking his glory. If we are, the Father will honor us; the world most likely will not honor us, but God will.

So, how does God honor his servants? Psalm 45 says of Christ, “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God has honored you with the oil of gladness.” We could talk about other ways to honor someone, but this one is exquisitely beautiful and rare.  

Joy and gladness are rare commodities in this fallen generation. Sorrow, doubt, and despair are the order of the day.

If we can sustain a heart of gladness and joy as we walk this somber landscape of life, we will be an inspiration and a sign of hope to all who know us. What greater honor can we attain to in this life?

The apostle John wrote, “May you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” And then the apostle Paul wrote, “The kingdom of Heaven is not food and drink, but righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.” Finally, Isaiah wrote of those that proclaim God’s word, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst forth into song before you, and the trees will clap their hands.”  

All good things will accompany the one who continually rejoices in his Lord and in his salvation.  

To conclude: joy and peace are gifts, priceless gifts. They are incomparable in value. Through them we are enriched, our friends and family are enriched, and our God is glorified. This side of Heaven, they are as close to bliss and ecstasy as we can get, and they are a sure sign that we are walking the paths of Christ and storing up eternal treasures.

~ Brad Heilhecker