September 20-27

Weekly scripture
Mark 1:16-34

Fisher of men
Is your life bait and attractive to the lost? Or is it something that will stay on the line and never get a bite?

 Jesus called the disciples to follow him so that he could make them fishers of men. Before Jesus the disciples were just ordinary men whose lives were their career. But Jesus wanted to change the disciples perspective. He wanted to make a difference in their lives.

Jesus wants to step in and change your life and be Lord over all of it not just parts, and  not when you are older or your career is done.Just as Jesus called the disciples when they were young and in the prime of their life so are  we called. We like the disciples have the opportunity to follow Jesus. This is our calling. Part of God's purpose for us is to reach people and change their eternal direction.  Everything we are as follower of Christ  is wrapped up into being a fisher of men

The Week of May 16-22

 Weekly Passage : John 1

Jesus and the Word

Only 55% of Christians strongly agree that the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches; 18% agree somewhat;  13% somewhat disagree; 9% disagree strongly and 5% aren’t sure what to believe. 

What do you believe about the Bible? Is it the Word of God? Is it just advice, some of which should be followed and some of which should be overlooked? Is some of the Bible outdated in its principles?

The Bible says many things about the word of God but the most striking is in John 1:1-5: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend^[a] it.”

John shows the word of God shows it as the eternal word, and the word being Jesus himself. Do you believe that Jesus is the living word of God? If He is the word and He is life and meant to bring life, then what does the word of God do to our lives? Do you believe that the word is living and eternal?  What has it done in your life?

As was challenged in the last Bible study lets not take a break this summer. Pick a book of the Bible and study and look over it. Embrace the word of God that lives and breathes and has the power to change your life today.

April 4-8

Good Morning God!

When is the last time that you have told God good morning! It’s a simple reminder that the Lord is truly good, and no matter the circumstances He is good. You may have stayed up all night studying or on rounds, but the next morning is a new day. With each new day comes a new breath of God’s glory and life into your life. It is amazing the Lord can do. We can give thanks to God because He chooses to be near to us. He sent Jesus as a ransom for our sins so that we can be in fellowship with Him, and God desires our fellowship. He is the one thing, if nothing else, that we can look forward to waking up to! He is our creator and our lover and our Lord. It is amazing what all God is to us… He is our everything.  If your life seems crazy this week He says in Ps 75:3 (NLT) “when the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm”. God is able to keep our foundations firm. He is the solid rock in turmoil. If you need a friend this week He says “ I will never leave you nor forsake you!” (Hebrews 13:5)He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother. If you need vision His word “is a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path”(Psalms 119:105). What a wonderful gift God has given us by being able to say Good morning to Him!

Challenges for the week:

This week start each morning by asking yourself a question…                      

What do you normally say good morning to? Have you said thank you to God this morning? What do you have to be thankful to God for? What part of God’s character do you need Him to be today: a friend, a comforter?   

Find some scriptures that show God's character to you such as those above. Memorize them to remind yourself of some of God's attributes. Ask God to walk with you through each day.

The Ten

Have your parents ever given you advice when you were younger that you value now? Or are there rules that at one time you thought were restrictive that now you see as beneficial? It is amazing that we as a society chant for freedom freedom freedom but one of the greatest moments of liberty we have are when we are not bound by fear because we obey the rules. God has given us many  rules to walk to. However, many Christians don't acknowledge them as anything more than suggestions in today's society. What are a few of these rules? Well, the top ten are the ten commandments. Many believe that as a new testament believer we are not under the law. However Jesus himself said He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill the law. He even expounded on the commandments to an even greater level. Today is a challenge  to return to the foundation of our guidance. The ten commandments. Take them and re-commit or commit them to memory. Its a great way to reestablish basic principles of a Christian walk.

Ex 20

March 11-18, 2011

Weekly Verses

John 8:36

Ps 17:8

1 John 4

Devotion for the week of Spring break. (11-18)

Be on Gaurd....

There are times in our lives where we are afforded breaks in order to rest, and be free. Yet, there are many living bound to some kind of chain, which even when we are free from the monotony of daily activities, still affects them. What are chains?  Chains are things that hold is in bondage or things that confine or restrain us. As a Christian our greatest chains are those of sin. Sin grapples at us daily wishing to take us under, and one of the greatest times the devil seeks an opportunity bind us again is at the moment we are seeking rest from fatigue. In these moments we let our guard down and often fail to watch our guard for the devil. In moments of relaxing keep our mind must still focus on God, and ask to be hidden under the shadow of His wings.  In addition, know what the devil will throw at you. He usually tries to place you in the same chains that you were found in. He tries to tempt the delivered alcoholic with alcohol, the delivered smoker with cigarettes; the delivered workaholic with more work.   Knowing from whence God has freed you will help you be ready for the battle. The devil will bring many opportunities towards you this week: Family problems, addictions, and the like, but greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world. God has freed you from the law of sin and death to walk in Him.

March 9, 2011

Encouraging thoughts from Julie Akerman Link...

If there is any such thing as a universal question, it may be this: Are we there yet? Generations of children have asked it. They have then grown into adults who have to answer the same question when their children ask.
Whenever I read the books of Moses, I wonder how many times he heard that question from the Israelites. Before rescuing them from slavery and leading them out of Egypt, Moses told them that the Lord would lead them to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). He did, but first they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. This was no ordinary wandering, however. They were not lost; they were wandering for a purpose. After 400 years of slavery, the children of Israel needed to have their hearts, souls, and minds reoriented toward God. This was accomplished in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2,15-18), but not before an entire generation died because of their disobedience (Num. 32:13).
In life, it sometimes seems as if we are wandering in circles. We feel lost. We want to ask God, “Are we there yet? How much longer?” At such times, it helps to remember that the journey, not just the destination, is important to God. He uses it to humble us, test us, and show us what is in our hearts.

All God’s testings have a purpose—
Someday you will see the light;
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight. —Zoller

It’s the journey, not just the destination, that’s important.

March 8, 2011

Daily Verse
Ps 51

Daily Devotion 

Whiter than Snow

Every day there is a battle for our souls. No matter what we believe we are, we are innately sinners. Our good works are like filthy rags in the sight of God. There is a growing trend to state that we are just human and this is our nature, and we must recognize our nature and ask God to purify us each day, and wash us from the stain of the guilt that comes when we have fallen. Let us be honest with God in our failings. Only then can He return the Holy Spirit in our lives and restore unto us the joy we had when we first believed.  Let us bring to Him our broken spirit and a repentant heart. He will make us whiter than snow.

March 7, 2011

Daily Verse

Ps 27:13

 

Preview

Daily Devotion

Today, is a day for inner questioning. Where is our hope, and whom or what do we place our trust? God is calling us to take time and seek His face. Will we answer yes Lord I will seek?, or will we choose to walk another way today? The Lord is our hope. He is our light and salvation, and whom shall we fear if we put our trust in Him? We must remain confident in this: that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. His goodness is ever pervading in every situation in our life. He has brought us to the place we are now. He has protected us from our enemies, He has set our feet upon a rock, and  He has a purpose and a plan for each day including today. God is wanting to teach us His ways, and lead us in straight paths. Yet, how can we find these straight paths if do not choose God? Our own ways are crooked at best and though the judgment may be solid, it may not be the best for today. We trust in the Lord will all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding; in all our ways if we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths. Trust in the Lord today.

March 4-6, 2011

Daily Verse

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Daily Devotion

Life is too precious for us to waste a moment, believing we have a lifetime to get everything right. We only have one breath and one moment. We must ask God to teach us to number our days, and show us how fleeting they truly are. We are not going to live any longer than the time we've been given. We must rise up to action. We must take up arms. We must love like there is nothing left and above all we must live for God. Let not fear bind our hearts to a whipping post and allow our life and joy in Christ to he stripped away by the beating of the devil. Let our life be so freed. We know not how long. We know not the day ,nor the time, nor the hour. We must ask the Lord for His mercy to gently lift  us or roughly free us this day from the things that tie us down and so easily beset us. God through Jesus has given us life and it is abundant. We must take His gift and not despise it and use it not for our glory but for His. We must live! 

March 3, 2011

Restore Your Soul

Do you believe in Gods promises ? If so then you know that it is God who restores our souls. Psalm 23 is a passage that many children learn but it is ever more important to us in life. The Lord is our shepherd; He must be our guide in every step we take, and if He is the one we are following we shall not want. He will allow us to lie down in green pastures and restore our souls, which is something we desperately need from time to time as exhaustion sets in.

Every challenge and every test we face in life and school may feel like the valley of the shadow of death. We should fear no evil if God is with us, but this is a daily invitation. The Holy Spirit does not come into our lives uninvited.  We must know that His correction and gentle guidance are for our comfort. He will prepare a place for us in the presence of our enemies, and goodness and mercy shall follow us as we dwell with the Lord.

For the peace we seek; for the rest we seek; for the hope and joy that we long for... We must find it in him. Neither man, nor t.v. , nor success in school, nor friends, nor family will ever be able to take the place that the Lord, our shepherd, has in our lives. Invite Him in today. Enjoy His green pastures. Drink from His still waters. Restore your soul.

Psalm 23

February 9, 2011

Praying for our Nation

Psalm 2

Psalm 2 gives a great warning for the nation. Unfortunately, it seems that our nation is teetering on the one described in psalms 2

Why are the nations so angry?
      Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
 ² The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
      the rulers plot together
   against the Lord
      and against his anointed one.
 ³ “Let us break their chains,” they cry,
      “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

Many in our nation cry freedom from God and freedom from His principles. Many view God as restrictive and impinging on their freedom. The next few verses serve as a warning. To those who rebel against God He will “express His displeasure.  However, blessed are those who put their trust in God. We need to pray that our nation be healed and return to putting their trust in God.

February 8, 2011

The beginning of 20 days of challenge!

Psalm 1

Few other passages in the Bible describe what is takes to walk with the Lord so explicitly. In Psalm chapter 1 David  begins with an observation of who is blessed.

He says; Blessed is the man who, walks not in the council of the ungodly ,Nor stands around with sinners ,or joins in with mockers.

 What does each of these mean to you? Do you have any of these influences in your life?

He also gives us what will happen if we don’t follow the Lord.  We will be like chaff which the wind blows away. In our society, chaff is a foreign concept. When threshing wheat or rice there is a part that is inedible.  This part is called chaff. It is lighter in weight and is removed by tossing and shaking.  If we do not walk with the Lord we will not be able to stand and when it comes time to be judged the ungodly will not be there.  There are areas of chaff in our lives that need to be removed because we are not perfect, but if we are in Christ the shaking to remove the chaff from our own lives. What are some areas of chaff in your life? Are there some people who are chaff in your life?

David Also gives us the benefits of walking with the Lord.  To walk with god our delight should be in His law. We should meditate on it day and night.  What does the portion about being a tree planted by the rivers of water mean to you?

David includes a reminder and a challenge to us at the end. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. God knows our path. He also knows the way of the ungodly. Do you often act like your path is in your own hands or do you realize that it is in God’s? He knows where you walk, and is your path a path that will lead you to destruction?

February 4, 2011

Daily Devotional and Daily Verse

 " A short excerpt from Dr. John Patrick"

One of the main things a Christian should do is practice acts 2:42

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

On continuing in the apostles doctrine.. It is important to read the word of God. Read a psalm a day and say the Lord’s prayer 2 times and ask God to stop you on a particular point and see what god is saying about it.  When you read other passages of scriptures it is important to know how to put them in your own terms, not just memorize the scriptures verbatim.  Each Christian should take some time and work on condensing a chapter of scripture down to its purest form to know what it is saying. It will help you to memorize the passage.

On fellowship and breaking of bread:  Find a support network of Christians. Get close to people who know how to pray. Have them to call you and ask you: Have you said your prayers today? Have you read your Bible today? And Have you just lied to me right now? Be encouraged, If you haven’t they can read to you and pray with you, and at that moment start over. It is a part of bearing one another’s burdens, but you do need to stretch yourself. ( Tip, if you can not afford time to read download an audio bible and listen to a passage on a drive or the gym or  at some free time)

On other things: Write down your story of conversion. Conversion is not an absolute for everyone. Everyone will have a different point of where God has brought them from.  At times when we are at our lowest God will remind of from where we came from. It is important to have your testimony.

February 2, 2011

Daily Verse

 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Matthew 5:14-16

Daily Devotion

"Light of the World"

Have you ever been in a power outage? The first thing you do is look  for a light. Now, since we conviently have our cell phones we use them, but it is only temporary until we can find a flashlight. Without that light, we will stumble around and fall  as we attempt to move from place to place. Or we will just stay in one place because we are afraid to move.

Did you know that we are the world’s flashlight? Most of the world is looking for something to guide them through.  In Matthew 5:14-16 it says: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 During the power outage did you take your flashlight and hide it under a blanket or just carry it and not use it? No, of course not. In a world that is continuously without light we need to let our light shine. Our actions are a light that leads others closer to the Father.  We need not hide them under a blanket or behind a façade. We may be just the thing a person needs to gather up the courage to move or to keep someone from stumbling.  We are the light of the world!

February 1, 2011

Daily Verse

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love Me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.” 

Rev 2:4-5

Daily Devotion

Have you ever had an experience with God that so deeply touched you that you were changed for a season? In those times many of us find ourselves reading the bible more, praying more and speaking to others about Jesus. We have the tendency to treat our fellow man with the utmost care and in the manner that God has admonished us to.  However, after these experiences this feeling usually wanes and is replaced by the cares of the world, and our first love gets swept away in a sea of work and life.

This happened to the church of Ephesus. God speaks to them in Revelations chapter 2:4-5 :  “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love Me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.”

Have you left your first love? Is God the passion that you pursue in the midst of all that your hand finds to do? We must always remember that He is the reason for all that we are.  If we have left our first love… God shows us here how to return. We must repent and begin to go back to the things we did at first: The times of prayer, and the Bible reading. Also, we must let our love life with God deepen. It is a daily process of being committed to Him. As we return to our first love He will return to us. 

January 28-30, 2011

  Daily Verse

And lead us not into temptation,
   but deliver us from the evil one.

Mat 6:13

 

Daily Devtional

Delivered From Sin - Life Coach

David, during his years of wandering before becoming king, sought to slay the House of Nabal because of an offence committed by Nabal against him. En-route, Nabal's wife Abigail intercepted David and interceded on Nabal's behalf. When David put it all into perspective, he said, "...blessed be the Lord.... (For He) hath kept his servant from evil." [38] David realized that his intentions were evil, and that God had stopped him through the intervention of Abigail. 

Most believers, during a time of introspection, realize that their experience parallels David's. There are times in their lives when God prevents them from executing their evil intentions. So important is this ministry of God that our Lord includes the request in the prayer He taught His disciples. The individual who does not see the necessity for such a prayer probably has not taken careful inventory of his own propensities and motives. 

This is one of the most important prayers in the arsenal of the believer, and something for which you should daily give God thanks. Looking back over my life I can see many occasions when my heart was intent on evil and God stopped me. It is one of the many expressions of His grace.

January 26, 2011

Daily Verse

“The iron did swim.”

2 Kings 6:6


Daily Devotion
" It is not Lost" Charles Spurgeon

The axe-head seemed hopelessly lost, and as it was borrowed, the honour of the prophetic band was likely to be imperilled, and so the name of their God to be compromised. Contrary to all expectation, the iron was made to mount from the depth of the stream and to swim; for things impossible with man are possible with God.

I knew a man in Christ but a few years ago who was called to undertake a work far exceeding his strength. It appeared so difficult as to involve absurdity in the bare idea of attempting it. Yet he was called thereto, and his faith rose with the occasion; God honoured his faith, unlooked-for aid was sent, and the iron did swim. 

Another of the Lord’s family was in grievous financial straits, he was able to meet all claims, and much more if he could have realized a certain portion of his estate, but he was overtaken with a sudden pressure; he sought for friends in vain, but faith led him to the unfailing Helper, and lo, the trouble was averted, his footsteps were enlarged, and the iron did swim. 

A third had a sorrowful case of depravity to deal with. He had taught, reproved, warned, invited, and interceded, but all in vain. Old Adam was too strong for young Melancthon, the stubborn spirit would not relent. Then came an agony of prayer, and before long a blessed answer was sent from heaven. The hard heart was broken, the iron did swim.

Beloved reader, what is thy desperate case? What heavy matter hast thou in hand this evening? Bring it hither. The God of the prophets lives, and lives to help his saints. He will not suffer thee to lack any good thing. Believe thou in the Lord of hosts! Approach him pleading the name of Jesus, and the iron shall swim; thou too shalt see the finger of God working marvels for his people. According to thy faith be it unto thee, and yet again the iron shall swim.

January 24/25, 2011

Daily Verse
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Phil 4:8

Daily Devotional

"You Are What You Eat"

There are many staggering statistics today on one of our nation's biggest problems: Diabetes. Many of us know that the best preventative measure for diabetes is a lifestyle change. This usually includes diet and exercise. However, many in our nation will never choose to make that change.

It is challenging to eat things that are healthy and good for us. Most of the time, We will go for the pizza and the soda because it tastes better and we might feel happier than when we eat healthier. Ocassionly, we might justify these foods with, I am young and I can burn it off. We know the dangers, that the way we eat can do inward damage that is undetectable and may cause other problems later on. That usually prompts us not eat pizza everyday.

But, What about the spiritual? Is everything we allow into our mind and heart a good thing? Or are some things that we intake junk? Things that are junk infiltrate into our mind and may lead to outward or secret destruction.  There is a saying that says

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

 

In Phillipians 4:8, Paul gives us a great recipe for a healthy diet.  We should be ingesting things that are pure, lovely, and of good report. These, healthy items, exude a healthy spirit, and we should strive to make healthier spritual choices as well as physical ones. Though we may be physically healthy there is nothing worse than a spirit that is not. Our truest self is what we eat spiritually.

Prayer for Today: Ask God what your Spiritual diet is and where he can help make changes.

January 21-23, 2011

Daily Verse

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Phil 3:14

Daily Devotional

Press on

As medical students, we know what it means to press on. We have tests. We have night rounds. We are sometimes on call. There are many moments where our bodies want to quit, but our minds refuse to give in. Needless to say, we have a drive that’s in satiable and it is what helps us to perform.

Therin, lies the challenge.  We are usually so consumed by what we do we rarely take the opportunity to pour that drive into something else.  We need to learn to press on in other areas of our lives.  The apostle Paul said, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us..” We must in our lives ask God for the ability to press on for the prize God has waiting for us.

What is our prize? We must not forget that our life is not one that will be just here on the earth, but that we are citizens of heaven. One day we will be united with God. What a joyous day that will be! So in everything we do we must not forget the prize and the hope we have in Christ Jesus.  We must continue to press on to the prize.

January 20, 2011

Daily Verse

“This will happen just as I have described it, for God has revealed to Pharaoh in advance what he is about to do. 

Genesis 41:28

Daily Devotional

"God our GPS"

Many of us have seen AllStates’ GPS system commercial.  ( If you have not , google the commercial). The GPS system states that it has never been updated so it just has to wing it. All of a sudden it recalculates and sends the driver into oncoming traffic. 

Unfortunately, this happens many times to us. We fail to update or even to follow our heavenly GPS system. God has a direction for our lives, but we respond to Him in different manners. Sometimes we throw away or hide His GPS.  Other times we fail to update the GPS by communing with God through prayer and Bible reading. Those moments where we wing it, sometimes end in disaster. And just like in the commercial we crash and burn.

God has a wonderful plan and direction for our lives. Sometimes it is never what others may expect, but God ultimately knows the best route. He will get us where we need to be if we just follow Him.

January 19, 2011

Daily Verse
“I sought him, but I found him not.”
Song of Solomon 3:1

Daily Devotional
 " You will find Him where you lost Him" Charles Spurgeon

It is a true proverb, “Look for a thing where you dropped it, it is there.” So look for Christ where you lost him, for he has not gone away. But it is hard work to go back for Christ. Bunyan tells us, the pilgrim found the piece of the road back to the Arbour of Ease, where he lost his roll, the hardest he had ever travelled. Twenty miles onward is easier than to go one mile back for the lost evidence.

Take care, then, when you find your Master, to cling close to him. But how is it you have lost him? One would have thought you would never have parted with such a precious friend, whose presence is so sweet, whose words are so comforting, and whose company is so dear to you! How is it that you did not watch him every moment for fear of losing sight of him? Yet, since you have let him go, what a mercy that you are seeking him, even though you mournfully groan, “O that I knew where I might find him!” Go on seeking, for it is dangerous to be without thy Lord. Without Christ you are like a sheep without its shepherd; like a tree without water at its roots; like a sere leaf in the tempest—not bound to the tree of life. With thine whole heart seek him, and he will be found of thee: only give thyself thoroughly up to the search, and verily, thou shalt yet discover him to thy joy and gladness.

January 18, 2011

Daily Verse

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.

Ps 16:7

Daily Devotional

Isn’t it amazing that the more gratefulwe are for what we have the more we are usually given. God loves a cheerful giver! And we have many things to be thankful for. Those who have taken a mission trip will tell you how grateful they are for the simple things. Such as clean water, health, and being able to eat food.

God also gives us blessings according to our labor. The more we give out to others God will give to us in return. This thought should never be at the forefront of our minds, but it should be something that we are aware of. God sees every gift that we give.

One of the greatest gifts that God has given us is each day.  Today we have the opportunity to shape ourselves, our world, and our history. And that itself, is a gift of God.  We ourselves are the finest of His gifts. Our gift to God is our gratitude.

January 14-16 2011

There is nothing like the Word of God itself, and this weekend's Devotion is a portion Proverbs 3.

¹ My child,^[a] never forget the things I have taught you.
      Store my commands in your heart.
 ² If you do this, you will live many years,
      and your life will be satisfying.
 ³ Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
      Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
      Write them deep within your heart.
 ⁴ Then you will find favor with both God and people,
      and you will earn a good reputation.
 ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
      do not depend on your own understanding.
 ⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
      and he will show you which path to take.
 ⁷ Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
      Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
 ⁸ Then you will have healing for your body
      and strength for your bones.
 ⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth
      and with the best part of everything you produce.
 ¹⁰ Then he will fill your barns with grain,
      and your vats will overflow with good wine.
 ¹¹ My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
      and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
 ¹² For the Lord corrects those he loves,
      just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.^[b]
 13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
      the one who gains understanding.
 ¹⁴ For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
      and her wages are better than gold.

January 13, 2011

Daily Verse
 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ. Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
Romans 8:35

Daily Devotion
Contract Faith- Philip Yancey

Sometimes people who serve God live with an unstated “contract faith.” Because they give time and energy to work for God, they think they deserve special treatment in return.
But not my friend Douglas. He has lived a Job-like existence in many ways, experiencing the failure of a ministry, his wife’s death from cancer, and injuries from a drunk driver to himself and a child. Yet Douglas advises, “Don’t confuse God with life.”

When troubles come and doubts arise, I often turn to Romans 8. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” asked Paul. “Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (v.35). In that one sentence, Paul summarized his ministry autobiography. He endured trials for the sake of the gospel; yet somehow he had the faith to believe that these “things”—surely not good in themselves—could be used by God to accomplish good. He had learned to see past the hardships to a loving God who will one day prevail. He wrote, “I am persuaded that [nothing] shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ” (vv.38-39).

Confidence like that can go a long way in helping overcome discouragement about how life hasn’t worked out the way we thought it would.

January 12, 2011

  Daily Verse
 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.

Daily Devotional 
-When things go wrong- Life Coach
 
There are times when the disciple of Christ must experience excruciating pain without any ability to understand why. Job, in a state of spiritual vertigo, argues that an impartial judge observing how God treated him would tilt the balance of justice in favor of Job. For the sake of argument, however, let us suppose that God did explain "why" to Job, narrating the conversation between God and Satan. Job could have responded in one of two ways: First, he could say, "Oh, now I understand. I now consent to the pain inflicted upon me," in which case nothing changes except Job's curiosity is satisfied. Second, he could say, "I resent being so used to make Your point. I thought I was Your friend and Satan Your enemy. I cannot agree to what You are doing!" 

To this latter response God could counter in one of two ways: First, he could say, "I am sorry Job, you are correct. I don't know what I was thinking of. I will stop the pain and make you a promise that never again will I allow anything of a hurtful nature to enter your life without your approval," in which case God would cease being God. He would be nothing more than a genie in a bottle, called out on occasion to do Job's bidding. Second, God could say, "Who do you think you are challenging My authority? You fear the leviathan; why don't you fear the One who created the leviathan? Does not the creator have the right to do what He wants with His creatures?" This, in essence, is the answer God gave Job in chapters 38-41. 

Seemingly senseless pain and trauma engulfs much of life. If you seek to follow Him, you must be content to trust His character rather than your ability to understand. The difference between a knife in the hand of an assassin and a surgeon is intent. Both inflict severe pain. You must decide whether God is an assassin or a surgeon. But remember, your choice does not change God, only your opinion. All the risk of making the wrong choice is on you. 

For today:
Ask God to help you to see things as He sees them.

January 11, 2011

Daily Devotion

“I have prayed for thee.”

Luke 22:32

Daily Devotion
Intercession from Jesus "Charles Spurgeon"

How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer’s never- ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, he pleads for us; and when we are not praying, he is advocating our cause, and by his supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter—“Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat; but”—what? “But go and pray for yourself.” That would be good advice, but it is not so written. Neither does he say, “But I will keep you watchful, and so you shall be preserved.” That were a great blessing. No, it is, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” We little know what we owe to our Saviour’s prayers. When we reach the hill-tops of heaven, and look back upon all the way whereby the Lord our God hath led us, how we shall praise him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischief which Satan was doing upon earth. How shall we thank him because he never held his peace, but day and night pointed to the wounds upon his hands, and carried our names upon his breastplate! Even before Satan had begun to tempt, Jesus had forestalled him and entered a plea in heaven. Mercy outruns malice. Mark, he does not say, “Satan hath desired to have you.” He checks Satan even in his very desire, and nips it in the bud. He does not say, “But I have desired to pray for you.” No, but “I have prayed for you: I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered a counterplea even before an accusation is made.” O Jesus, what a comfort it is that thou hast pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; countermined their mines, and unmasked their ambushes. Here is a matter for joy, gratitude, hope, and confidence.

Thought for today:
Thank God for His never ceasing intercession.

January 10, 2011

Daily Verse
Those who know Your name put their trust in You, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
Psalm 9:10

Daily Devotion
"Traveling Light" Ruth Graham

The Christian life is a climb. For Christians keeping in shape spiritually and traveling light are important.  To keep in shape spiritually, we need nourishment and exercise.

The definition of traveling light may vary from person to person, but most of us need to trim off some excess weight. We have too many social involvements, an overabundance of good but necessary meetings. We are on more boards than one person can adequately or usefully serve. Remember the caution: "Beware the bareness of a busy life."

It is up to us to keep in shape and travel light.


Prayer for Today:
Ask God what you need to remove so you can travel lighter!!!!

January 6, 2011

Daily Verse

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
   in the morning I lay my requests before you
   and wait expectantly.

Psalms 5:3
 

Daily Devotional

 

Practical Practices

With each new year comes new challenges and as medical students we are always challenged to spend time with God. However, with our hectic schedules and tired minds and bodies make spending time with God a lost cause. Even if we discipline ourselves to have a scheduled time with God sometimes that time gets lost in the shuffle. Here are some practical tips for getting closer to God.

Become a doer of the word- Taking one verse and applying it to your life each day is  better than knowing or reading the whole Bible and not living any of it.

Pray without ceasing- sometimes morning prayer gets cut short due to fatigue. In these moments you can keep close to God by praying without ceasing. Use your time driving to school or to the hospital as a time of prayer. Use your time driving home as a time of meditation

Guard your ears- what you listen to can affect your day. Choose to fill your mind with uplifting worship

Forsake not the assembly of the brethren- schedule in time to go to church or Bible study to build yourself up and  build others up.

Make the most of every opportunity- When there is a break given to you sneak away with God. Take a verse to meditate on and look at it every chance you get. When you have a free moment, or a moment to take a break, instead of pushing the Bible aside for some tv. Spend time in God’s word.

Above all else: Ask God to help you in creative ways to spend time with Him.

Prayer for today: Dear Lord, please help me to put some new habits into practice this year. Help me to learn how to become close to you in whatever state I am. Amen.

January 5, 2011

Daily Verse

Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.

Psalm 5:8

Daily Devotion

Second Chances

Each person deserves a second chance including ourselves. We are often our worst prosecutor. We make a mistake, and ask God for forgiveness, but we never forgive ourselves. When the time comes to continue anew,  we return to the same mistake, and many times fall into self-condemnation. We say things such as: “I’ll never get this right.” “This challenge is too great.” “ I may as well just settle where I am.”

These statements deny how powerful God is.  The Bible says that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). The word cleanse is an active word, and it indicates a process.  God has taken our sins and iniquities and cast them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19), and there is no condemnation in Him(Romans 8:1). He has started us on a path where He is cleansing us, and He knows we are not perfect. He is there and can bring us out of any struggle and any situation where we have lost hope. God’s mercy and forgiveness is such a wonderful gift.

Today we must take confidence that through the strength of God we can move forward. We can forgive ourselves. There is nothing impossible with God, and He is willing to give us a second chance; Will you give yourself a second chance today?

Prayer for Today

Ask God to help you in situations where you are struggling, and ask God to help you forgive yourself. 

January 4, 2011

Daily Verse

But you, Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
Daily Devotion
Psalms 3:3

Daily Devotion
"Setting Goals for The Year"  by Cheryl Biehl

If you have flown on a commercial flight lately, you will notice the speech that the flight attendants recite just before take off. During their instruction they recite " In the event of a loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will automatically be lowered. if you are sitting beside a child, please secure your mask first and then apply one to the child.

Why do they advise you to do that? They realize that unless you as the adult are getting the oxygen you need , you'll be of no help to the child, and you will both perish. Jesus, filled with absolute love and compassion, went to the mountains to spend time with His Father in Prayer, to renew His weary body and soul. When the crowd pressed around on Him, He suggested that they all get away from the crowd.

As doctors and medical students we need to make sure we are getting enough "oxygen" in out life to be of maximum benefit to those around us. It is not selfish to set goals allowing you to refill your cup. Even though rest may appear to interfere with studies or work it is imperative to recharge. An empty tea kettle will crack or melt under the heat, so you will also break as the heat of life is turned on - if your emotional or spiritual cup is dry.


Daily Prayer
Ask the Lord to help you to find a time to rest and peace for each day. Ask Him to help you cast your cares rest in Him.

January 1, 2011

Daily Verse

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  

Colossians 3:17

Devotion

New Year’s Resolutions

Each New Year’s Day at 12 midnight, millions of New Years Resolutions fall in the form of confetti in Times Square in New York. This year millions of resolutions were thrown from 10 story windows and looked pretty. I have noticed that each New Year usually comes with many resolutions from the ones I love.  In the past I have heard resolutions such as: I am going to lose weight, I am going to be a better role model, I am going to work harder this year, and the list goes on and on. For many years, along with other resolutions I have made, I always include resolutions to get closer to God. These have been to read my Bible more, pray more, and become more involved in church.  These resolutions, however, often look pretty, just like the confetti that fell in Times Square.

This year I heard a very interesting comment from a cynic.  “ Why make New Years resolutions. If you want to do something then get your stuff together and do it. Don’t do it because its and arbitrary date. “ This statement has challenged me. I need to stop wanting and get myself together and just do it! In this New Year this should become a challenge to us.  We should stop planning, hoping, and wishing and Just do it! We must not look back at the previous year and what we have done in the past. We need to look to the future. If God has changed you this past year don’t go back to the old ways. If you are expecting God to do something get ready and when God challenges you to do something change just do it. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might( Ecc 9:10 a)!

Daily Prayer 

Ask God to help you this New Year to just do whatever resolution you have made!