Monday, September 30, 2013

The Way if Truth...Psalm 119:30

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.

Psalm 119:30 (NIV)

Yesterday we made a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus whole-heartedly. Let's not forget it and slip back into old habits and bad patterns. Let's choose the way of truth again today, and tomorrow, and...

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Lost Sheep...Zechariah 10:2

...So my people are wandering like lost sheep; they are attacked because they have no shepherd. Zechariah 10:2

Ever feel like you are wandering through life? Without a shepherd in our lives, we leave ourselves vulnerable to attack. Both attack from others and even attack from ourselves can come our way. Make room in your life for God to guide you for purpose and direction in your life.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Friday, September 27, 2013

Carry it two miles...Matthew 5:41

If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Matthew 5:41

Sometimes in life we are asked to do certain tasks.  It may be easy to take the path of least resistance, even if the task gets accomplished.  However, the easiest is not always the course of action God would have you take. As Christians, we are called to go above and beyond the task at hand, to go the extra mile, and demonstrate the love we have for others.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Replenish Yourself...1 Kings 19:7-8

Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you." So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:7-8 

Replenishing our bodies for a new day cannot be stressed enough. God has given us tremendous and personalized talents but without energy to perform them, we would not be able to do our best. This can affect your work, home and spiritual growth. If you've been working hard on a long project at work or home, don't forget to schedule an extended break at the end of your project or even in the middle so that you can replenish yourself. 

Commentary bydaily bible devotions

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Don't Judge...1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Isn't it refreshing God doesn't judge us by our appearance but rather purity of heart? Instead, He looks at our motivations and thoughts to judge each one of us. Take it one step further, do we hold others to the same standard God holds to?  Or, do we instead judge others according to the ways of this world, which is only skin deep? Let's make an effort to not be hypocritical - wanting ourselves to be judged on heart issues and then turning around to judge others based on appearance. 

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Be an example...1 Timothy 4:12

Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Don't be fooled in thinking that only mature godly people can spread God's message. God works through people of all ages. The best way to spread his message is to live it so others can learn by example. Pick one thing that honors God such as being truthful, ethical at work, caring for those less fortunate, and loving others more than yourself. Then take action on the one that's missing in your life and others will see God's work through you.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Monday, September 23, 2013

Snakes & Doves...Matthew 10:16

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

As much as we should desire to be kind and giving, sometimes it can be difficult to do so in our current culture. We want to be good but don't want to be taken advantage of. Like many things in life, this requires a delicate balance of assertiveness and servitude. If you are heavy on assertiveness, try being a bit more subservient today by allowing others to express themselves more. If you are in need of more assertiveness, try speaking up today, either by asking questions or praising someone.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Counted as Righteous...Romans 4:5

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. Romans 4:5

We earn many things in life, such as money, respect, recognition and love.  However, this is not the case with salvation. We cannot perform enough good deeds or say a magic number of prayers in order to be welcomed into Heaven. Salvation alone comes through faith and recognition that God alone is the only and true God.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Glorious Miracles...Psalm 106:2

Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough? Psalm 106:2

Is there any one of us who can detail each of the miracles God has performed for us? No! God provides a miracle with every breath we take. Though we may deserve death for our sins, God allows us to live another day. We can never give Him enough praise for all He has done, but that should not stop us from giving Him the glory He deserves.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Friday, September 20, 2013

Psalm 106:2

Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough? Psalm 106:2

Is there any one of us who can detail each of the miracles God has performed for us? No! God provides a miracle with every breath we take. Though we may deserve death for our sins, God allows us to live another day. We can never give Him enough praise for all He has done, but that should not stop us from giving Him the glory He deserves.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Why should I be afraid?...Psalm 56:11

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:11

Trusting in God puts your heart at ease because you no longer have to worry. Placing your faith in Him relieves all doubt and uncertainty about the future. Do not be afraid of what other people may do. The effects of their actions are temporary in comparison to spending eternity with God.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Who Serves...Luke 22:27

Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:27

Just when you think you have life figured out, God has a way of flipping things upside down. A company may flip their organizational chart upside down, putting customers at the top and the CEO at the bottom, armed and ready to serve. Leadership books state that the highest level is one that shows humility. Above all, God loves it when we serve those less fortunate than ourselves. If you feel called today, take the time and help someone out, serving and honoring them in doing so.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Monday, September 16, 2013

Upside Down...Matthew 10:39

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Matthew 10:39

The emphasis here is not on losing your life and all of your possessions, but rather on turning your focus away from those possessions. We sometimes lose sight of the important things in life such as strengthening the bond with your parents or mending wounds with friends. Maybe it has been a long time since you shared a special moment with your brothers or sisters. We become so busy in life that our priorities can be flipped upside down. We must change our way of thinking and prioritize in a healthy and Godly way by putting God, our spouse and family first.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Selfish Ambition (James 3:13-14)

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. James 3:13-14

We all possess some degree of selfishness. The important thing is to acknowledge it and let others know of your intentions. People will be more understanding if you reveal it rather than hide it. If you feel strong enough to mirror God's ways, change your direction by giving time and money to those less fortunate than yourself. If you don't feel strong enough, ask God for the strength.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Don't use abusive language...Ephesians 4:29

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

Go one step beyond not using abusive language. Instead of trying to just stay neutral in difficult situations, provide words of encouragement. There are many situations in which anger can creep up, such as when your spouse forgets to take out the trash, pay a bill, or pick up eggs from the store. Remember to be patient, understanding and forgiving, and then let your spouse know how much you appreciate them.

Commentary by daily bible devotions

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Crooked Bow - Hosea 7:16

They look everywhere except to the Most High. They are as useless as a crooked bow. Hosea 7:16


When you take a crooked path, the journey is longer and requires more effort. Even worse, it can lead you in the wrong direction. Relying on our own worldly understanding is like taking a crooked path. Why take chances when you can take the straight route by thinking and doing as God would. He will guide you and always be there for you. Look for His wisdom in the Bible and from Godly people around you.

Commentary provided by daily bible devotions

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Proverbs 21:26

Some people are always greedy for more, but the Godly love to give! (NLT) ( Proverbs 21:26 )