Our Daily Bread devotional, December 15, 2016 - One Short Sleep

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 15, 2016 - One Short Sleep

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   10:22:00 pm

Topic: One Short Sleep [December 15, 2016]  Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Bible in a Year: Amos 1–3; Revelation 6  We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8  Henry Durbanville, a Scottish pastor from another era, told the story of an elderly woman in his parish who lived in a remote part of Scotland. She longed to see the city of Edinburgh, but she was afraid to take the journey because of the long, dark tunnel through which the train had to pass to get there.  One day, however, circumstances compelled her to go to Edinburgh, and as the train sped toward the city, her agitation increased. But before the train reached the tunnel, the woman, worn out with worry, fell fast asleep. When she awoke she had already arrived in the city!  It’s possible that some of us will not experience death. If we’re alive when Jesus returns, we will “meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess. 4:13–18). But many of us will pass into heaven through death and for some that thought causes great anxiety. We worry that the process of dying will be too difficult to bear.  With the assurance of Jesus as our Savior we can rest in the confidence that when we close our eyes on earth and pass through death, we will open our eyes in God’s presence. “One short sleep past we wake eternally,” John Donne said.  Prayer: I love the life You’ve given to me, Lord, yet I wonder what it will be like to see You personally. Help me to trust You with the future. I look forward to that day when I meet You.  To see Jesus will be heaven’s greatest joy.  Insight:  After Paul describes Christ’s return in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11, he proceeds to discuss daily living (5:12–24). It is easy to get lost in the intricacies and complexities of biblical prophecy. However, it is all a “revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:1). Amid all the trumpeting and reunions, it is “the Lord himself [who] will come down from heaven” (1 Thess. 4:16). Then Christians will be gloriously “like him for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). How does the vision of Christ’s return have an impact on you individually and practically?  This message was written by David Roper [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES HIS VIRTUE IN OUR SPIRITS Thursday, December 15th .

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES HIS VIRTUE IN OUR SPIRITS Thursday, December 15th .

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   9:35:00 pm

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

 HIS VIRTUE IN OUR SPIRITS 

Thursday, December 15th .

  Pastor Chris 

That is why I would remind you to stir up (re-kindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination] (2 Timothy 1:6 AMP). As Christians, we’re not ordinary. Jesus said, “…as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). He gave us power and authority to minister and be a blessing to our world. Paul said, “…we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). We can minister to the sick, the oppressed, and depressed and have virtue go out from us to them. God’s power in us is to flow from us to those in need of God’s touch in their lives. This is why you take out time to stir up the power of the Spirit in you again and again; get yourself filled with the Spirit always! Ephesians 5:18 says, “…keep on being filled with the Spirit” (ISV); it’s not a one-off, but a continual experience. You’re to maintain the glow of the Spirit in your life; keep His fire burning in your spirit with unquenchable intensity. Be dressed and fully clothed with Him all the time. Before you hit the streets, “dress” in the Holy Ghost! Soak yourself in Him, and when you face a crisis, His power in you will be activated, for His glory. Stir that power always by speaking in tongues, meditating on the Word and living out the Word. His glory is in the Word; as you live in, by, and through the Word, you cause His glory and power to be manifested in and around you. Blessed be God! PRAYER Dear Father, I thank you for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, and the effectual workings of that power in and through me. Christ lives in me, and I’m His extension in the world today, to touch, heal, bless, strengthen and uplift. I take advantage of this divine privilege of manifesting the glorious virtues in my spirit to others, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Download your complete e-copy of DECEMBER RHAPSODY for free in any language of your choice & share the link with your friends just click here 👇 http://rhapsodydistribution.com/a/index.php?id=Cypriestking Further Study: || Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all. || || Micah 3:8 But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. || Daily Scripture Reading 1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 7,  Amos 5-9 2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Revelation 13:11-18,  Micah 7

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 14, 2016 - Living in the Light

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 14, 2016 - Living in the Light

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   10:01:00 pm

 Topic: Living in the Light [December 14, 2016]  Read: 1 John 2:3–11, Bible in a Year: Joel 1–3; Revelation 5  The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:8  It was a dark morning. Low, steel-colored clouds filled the sky, and the atmosphere was so dim that I needed to turn on the lights in order to read a book. I had just settled in when the room suddenly filled with light. I looked up and saw that the wind was pushing the clouds to the east, clearing the sky and revealing the sun.  As I went to the window to get a better look at the drama, a thought came to mind: “The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8). The apostle John wrote these words to believers as a message of encouragement. He went on to say, “Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble” (v. 10). By contrast, he equated hating people with roaming around in darkness. Hatred is disorienting; it takes away our sense of moral direction.  Loving people is not always easy. Yet I was reminded as I looked out the window that frustration, forgiveness, and faithfulness are all part of maintaining a deep connection with the love and light of God. When we choose love instead of hate, we are showing our relationship with Him and reflecting His radiance to the world around us. “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).  Prayer: Dear God, help me to experience Your love more fully so that I can share it with others. I want to live in the light of Your grace and mercy.  Choosing to love people well shows the world what God is like.  Insight:  Today’s passage has perplexed many believers. Is John teaching that if we have any hatred in our hearts, then we are not genuine believers? It is very important to understand a concept in Greek grammar in order to capture what the passage is saying. The verb tense used here means “continuous action in the present.” This means the verb could be paraphrased “continually hating.” Therefore, when John speaks of someone hating, he is talking about an unrepentant lifestyle of continuously living in hatred toward another. The authentic walk of faith is not a sinless walk, but one in which the believer feels uncomfortable with sin and reaches out to God for forgiveness and change.  This message was written by Jennifer Benson Schuldt [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 13, 2016 - Good News!

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 13, 2016 - Good News!

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   8:39:00 am

Topic: Good News! [December 13, 2016]  Read: Nahum 1:7–15, Bible in a Year: Hosea 12–14; Revelation 4  Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Nahum 1:15  World news bombards us from the Internet, television, radio, and mobile devices. The majority seems to describe what’s wrong—crime, terrorism, war, and economic problems. Yet there are times when good news invades the darkest hours of sadness and despair—stories of unselfish acts, a medical breakthrough, or steps toward peace in war-scarred places.  The words of two men recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible brought great hope to people weary of conflict.  While describing God’s coming judgment on a ruthless and powerful nation, Nahum said, “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!” (Nah. 1:15). That news brought hope to all those oppressed by cruelty.  A similar phrase occurs in the book of Isaiah: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation” (Isa. 52:7).  Nahum and Isaiah’s prophetic words of hope found their ultimate fulfillment at the first Christmas when the angel told the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).  The most important headline in our lives every day is the very best news ever spoken—Christ the Savior is born!  The birth of Jesus is the best news the world has ever received!  Insight:  We can associate “good news” of peace from war (Nahum 1:15) with the “good news” of Jesus’s birth (Luke 2:10). We might imagine a huffing, puffing runner (in Nahum 1:15)—like the famed runner to Sparta for whom “marathon” is named—who has come a long distance. Is he now pausing “on the mountains” to shout to hearers in the valley, “The war is over!”? No wonder the herald’s “feet” are celebrated—he “proclaims peace!” (1:15). In Old Testament thought “peace” (shalom) is not just the absence of war; it is a full-orbed idea that represents wellness and wholeness. Have you received the Christ who Himself, through His death, is the believer’s peace? (Eph. 2:14–15).  This message was written by David McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Thursday, 8 December 2016- Surround Sound Topic: Surround Sound

Thursday, 8 December 2016- Surround Sound Topic: Surround Sound

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   12:27:00 am

[December 8, 2016] Read: Nehemiah 12:27–43, Bible in a Year: Daniel 8–10; 3 John The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. Nehemiah 12:43 Walt Disney Studios was the first to introduce a new concept in listening to movies. It was called “stereophonic sound” or surround sound, and it was developed because producers wanted the movie-going audience to hear the music in a new way. But this wasn’t the first use of “surround sound.” Thousands of years earlier, Nehemiah introduced the idea at the dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. “I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall,” he explained. “I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks” (Neh. 12:31). The two choirs began at the southern part of the wall, at the Dung Gate. One went to the left, one went to the right, and they surrounded the city of Jerusalem in praise as they marched toward the temple (vv. 31, 37– 40). The choirs led the people in rejoicing because “God had given them great joy” (v. 43). In fact, their rejoicing “could be heard far away” (v. 43). Their praise resulted from God’s help as the people overcame the opposition of enemies like Sanballat and rebuilt the wall. What has God given us that causes our joy to overflow into praise? God’s clear direction in our lives? The comfort He alone can provide in times of trouble? Or our ultimate gift: salvation? Perhaps we can’t create “surround sound” with our praise, but we can rejoice in the joy God has given us. Then others can hear us praise God and see how He works. Prayer: We praise You, O Lord—with words, with song, and with our lives. We offer You our hearts in response to Your great power, loving provision, and constant care. We can never praise Jesus too much! Insight: Nehemiah spearheaded a magnificent public music celebration. Four types of musical instruments are identified in verses 27 and 35—cymbals, harps, lyres, and trumpets. Cymbals are an example of metal percussion instruments. Like drums, cymbals usually help sustain a musical beat. Also included were harps and lyres. Harps may have been smaller than lyres and less lavish (2 Chron. 9:11). Trumpets (Neh. 12:35, 41) were the wind instruments. These were not the curvy rams’ horns or shofars, but were straight metal horns used for assembling armies and ambushes (Num. 10:1–10; 2 Chron. 5:12). This message was written by Dave Branon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Our Daily Bread devotional- Beautiful Unity -December 7, 2016

Our Daily Bread devotional- Beautiful Unity -December 7, 2016

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   11:55:00 pm

 Topic: Beautiful Unity [December 7, 2016]  Read: Ephesians 4:1–6, Bible in a Year: Daniel 5–7; 2 John  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3  Seeing three large predatory animals cuddle and play together is extremely unusual. Yet this is precisely what happens daily in an animal sanctuary in Georgia. In 2001, after months of neglect and abuse, a lion, a Bengal tiger, and a black bear were rescued by Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary. “We could have separated them,” said the assistant director. “But since they came as a kind of family, we decided to keep them together.” The trio had found comfort in each other during their time of mistreatment, and, despite their differences, they live peacefully together.  Unity is a beautiful thing. But the unity Paul wrote about in his letter to the believers in Ephesus is unique. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to live up to their calling as members of one body in Christ (Eph. 4:4–5). By the power of the Holy Spirit they would be able to live in unity as they developed humility, gentleness, and patience. These attitudes also allow us to lovingly bear “with one another in love” through the common ground we have in Christ Jesus (4:2).  Despite our differences, as members of the family of God we have been reconciled to Him through the death of our Savior and reconciled to each other through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to grow in gentleness and patience toward others. Show me how to love others, even when we may have differences.  We keep unity by being united in the Spirit.  Insight:  The ancient city of Ephesus was large and diverse. In the first century, many philosophies and religions in Ephesus competed with Christianity, and this diversity presented some unique theological and ethical challenges to the Christ-followers who lived there. In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, the apostle Paul wanted to be sure they understood that peace with God could only be achieved through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. Other ideas might sound appealing, but salvation rests exclusively in Christ. Saving faith is not about converting to a religion; it is about receiving and then living out a new life from Christ that reflects God’s love, mercy, and wisdom.  This message was written by Marvin Williams [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Our Daily Bread devotional,Constant Kindness- December 6, 2016

Our Daily Bread devotional,Constant Kindness- December 6, 2016

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   11:30:00 pm

 Topic: Constant Kindness [December 6, 2016]  Read: Psalm 141:1–4, Bible in a Year: Daniel 3–4; 1 John 5  Be kind and compassionate to one another. Ephesians 4:32  When I was a child I was an ardent reader of L. Frank Baum's Land of Oz books. I recently came across Rinkitink in Oz with all the original artwork. I laughed again at the antics of Baum's irrepressible, good-hearted King Rinkitink with his down-to-earth goodness. Young Prince Inga described him best: “His heart is kind and gentle and that is far better than being wise."  How simple and how sensible! Yet who has not wounded the heart of someone dear to us by a harsh word? By doing so, we disturb the peace and quiet of the hour and we can undo much of the good we have done toward those we love. "A small unkindness is a great offense,” said Hannah More, an 18th-century English writer.  Here’s the good news: Anyone can become kind. We may be incapable of preaching an inspiring sermon, fielding hard questions, or evangelizing vast numbers, but we can all be kind.  How? Through prayer. It is the only way to soften our hearts. “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil [or harsh]” (Ps. 141:3–4).  In a world in which love has grown cold, a kindness that comes from the heart of God is one of the most helpful and healing things we can offer to others.  Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, when I bring anger into a situation. Soften my heart and help me use my words to encourage others.  The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way. Oswald Chambers  Insight:  One of the experiences that shaped David's life—and his psalms—was his time as a refugee from a homicidal King Saul. David had two opportunities to usher in the fulfillment of his anointing as king by killing Saul (chs. 24, 26), and both times he was encouraged to do so by some of his followers. However, he did not kill Saul but left the situation in God’s hands. It may be these instances specifically that are at the root of the words of Psalm 141. The God who gave David strength to avoid evil deeds continues to offer help to us when we are faced with temptation. When have you asked God to help you resist a temptation in your life?  This message was written by David Roper [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 4, 2016 - The Treasure in Tomb 7

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 4, 2016 - The Treasure in Tomb 7

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   11:46:00 pm

Topic: The Treasure in Tomb 7 [December 4, 2016]  Read: Psalm 119:161–168, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 47–48; 1 John 3  I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. Psalm 119:162  In 1932, Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso discovered Tomb 7 at Monte Alban, Oaxaca. He found more than four hundred artifacts, including hundreds of pieces of pre-Hispanic jewelry he called “The Treasure of Monte Alban.” It is one of the major finds of Mexican archaeology. One can only imagine Caso’s excitement as he held a jade cup in its purest form.  Centuries earlier, the psalmist wrote of a treasure more valuable than gold or rock crystal. He said, “I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil” (Ps. 119:162). In Psalm 119, the writer knew how valuable God’s instructions and promises are to our lives, so he compared them to the great treasure that comes in hand with the victory of a conqueror.  Caso’s name is remembered today because of his discovery in Tomb 7. We can enjoy it if we visit a museum in Oaxaca. However, the psalmist’s treasure is at our fingertips. Day by day we can dig into the Scriptures and find diamonds of promises, rubies of hope, and emeralds of wisdom. But by far the greatest thing we find is the person whom the book points to: Jesus Himself. After all, He is the Author of the book.  Let us seek diligently with the confidence that this is the treasure that will enrich us. As the psalmist said, “Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight” (v. 111 nlt).  Prayer: Father, I want to value the Scriptures as a treasure. Help me enjoy Your Word every day.  God’s Word is a valuable possession and a guide to life.  Insight:  Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It uses eight different Hebrew words (each of them found between nineteen and twenty-five times in the chapter) related to God’s “law”—God’s written Word. Often Psalm 119 describes God’s Word as being more precious than gold (see vv. 72, 127). If God’s Word is your most treasured possession, how is that reflected in your life? Have you considered memorizing verses that stand out in your mind as you hear them proclaimed, sung, or read? How might you plan during this annual season to incorporate more of Scripture’s joyful message into your life?  This message was written by Keila Ochoa [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 2, 2016 - Quiet Conversations

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 2, 2016 - Quiet Conversations

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   11:31:00 pm

Topic: Quiet Conversations

 [December 2, 2016]  

Read: Psalm 116:5–9, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 42–44; 1 John 1
 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2
 Do you ever talk to yourself? Sometimes when I’m working on a project—usually under the hood of a car—I find it helpful to think aloud, working through my options on the best way to make the repair. If someone catches me in my “conversation” it can be a little embarrassing—even though talking to ourselves is something most of us do every day.  The psalmists often talked to themselves in the Psalms. The author of Psalm 116 is no exception. In verse 7 he writes, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Reminding himself of God’s kindness and faithfulness in the past is a practical comfort and help to him in the present. We see “conversations” like this frequently in the Psalms. In Psalm 103:1 David tells himself, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” And in Psalm 62:5 he affirms, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”  It’s good to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Him. We can follow the example of the psalmist and spend some time naming the many ways God has been good to us. As we do, we’ll be encouraged. The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future.  Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to stay in touch with Your heart today by reminding myself of Your faithfulness and love.  Reminding ourselves about God's goodness can keep us filled with His peace.  Insight:  From this marvelous passage of Scripture, we can see the truth that bringing the God of the Bible into our daily experience alters our perspective. His grace and truth is available in our ever-changing circumstances. Even in our most difficult life circumstances, He is present and available to deliver us. Although our heart may endure trauma, it can still find a place to rest through looking at the past faithfulness of God. Fear of death, emotional anguish, and the struggle for daily direction all find their remedy in the faithful care of the living God who made us. Life for God’s children should be spelled with a capital L since He energizes, directs, and protects us.  This message was written by James Banks [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 1, 2016 - The View from 400 Miles

Our Daily Bread devotional, December 1, 2016 - The View from 400 Miles

Our Daily Bread devotional Unknown   12:20:00 am

Topic: The View from 400 Miles [December 1, 2016]
Read: John 1:1–14, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 40–41; 2 Peter 3  The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:9  “My perspective on earth changed dramatically the very first time I went into space,” says Space Shuttle astronaut Charles Frank Bolden Jr. From four hundred miles above the earth, all looked peaceful and beautiful to him. Yet Bolden recalled later that as he passed over the Middle East, he was “shaken into reality” when he considered the ongoing conflict there. During an interview with film producer Jared Leto, Bolden spoke of that moment as a time when he saw the earth with a sense of how it ought to be—and then sensed a challenge to do all he could to make it better.  When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the world was not the way God intended it. Into this moral and spiritual darkness Jesus came bringing life and light to all (John 1:4). Even though the world didn’t recognize Him, “to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (v. 12).  When life is not the way it ought to be we are deeply saddened—when families break up, children go hungry, and the world wages war. But God promises that through faith in Christ anyone can begin to move in a new direction.  The Christmas season reminds us that Jesus, the Savior, gives the gift of life and light to everyone who will receive and follow Him.  Prayer: Father in heaven, may we share the light and life of Jesus with others today.  God is at work to make us who He intends us to be.  Insight:  The Lord Jesus gives the gift of light (John 8:12) and life (14:6) to all who believe in Him so they may enter into and experience eternal life with God (3:15–16; 6:47; 17:3). God has given us light embodied in Jesus (the living Word; John 1:1) and expressed in print in the written Word of God, the Bible (Ps. 119:105). As we focus on Jesus and immerse our minds responsively in God’s words, we find light shining more and more upon our daily path. Then we are better able to be what God intended us to be.  This message was written by,
 David McCasland [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]