DEVOTIONS

Friends… Who Needs Them?
August 2, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 19:5-8
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    “Friends… Who needs them, right? I can do it myself. I can get along on my own. I don’t need anybody’s help. I don’t need anybody.” Have you ever heard anyone say anything like that? Maybe you have even said something similar. Possibly right after you, or an idea of yours, was rejected by someone. Maybe you were invited to a themed party, and when you arrived, you found you were the only one dressed a certain way. It could be you grew up feeling rejected by those around you, so now you feel you do not need friends and live your life keeping others at a distance as well.

    The problem is, if you are living this way, you are living a lie. We all do need friends. We cannot make it through life on our own. We need others in our lives. Also, it is inherent in us to want to be liked. We all seek other people’s approval.

    In the Bible Jesus often speaks of friends and family. God created Eve for Adam because He said in Genesis 2:18; “…It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” He later created the church for the same reason: that people might complement one another. I am not referring to people saying good things about one another, although that would be nice. I mean complementing one another’s lives with the talents and abilities each of us has, given to us by the Holy Spirit. He gifted each of us to bless one another.

 

    You know, what really makes a person poor? It is not the clothes they have or where they live. It’s not the amount of money they earn or the type of car they drive. What truly makes a person poor is having no one who trusts in them. It’s having no friend to encourage them or to pick them up when they fall. A person with few or no friends is indeed poor.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    How would you like to make someone rich today? If you think you can’t, you’re wrong. Go be someone’s real friend. You will be giving them something that all the money in the world can never buy. Introduce them to your friend, Jesus. Then you will have given them true, uncountable riches.

 

Are you going to share the wealth you have
in you and in Jesus today?

 

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

 

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

 

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: August 2, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Isaiah 49 – Isaiah 54
  Proverbs 19:5 – 8

 

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Psa. 6-10
  Acts 27:21-44

 

Who Wants To Lead?
August 1, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 19:1-4
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    It seems harder and harder these days to find anyone with any real desire to lead among qualified people. Most individuals do not want to make the tough decisions; they appear content to be told what to do and when to do it. There are very few people who will step up and take the lead.

    Part of the reason for this vacuum in leadership is the fear of being blamed for something if anything goes wrong. If you are not out there in front leading everyone else, then you will not be blamed when things don’t work out. The truth is that no matter how hard you try, things do not always work out.

    If someone does finally step up to lead and something backfires, they’ll look to the left and find no one there to blame. Look to the right, not a soul there to pin it on either. So then, they often look up and start blaming God. If God is in control of everything, then He must have caused this terrible situation to happen. We all know that makes good sense, right? So, we wonder, “If it’s God’s fault, why are people upset with me?”

    Well, as good as that may sound, it is not always true. God allows us from time to time to make mistakes, and we are supposed to learn from them. In our verses today, it says the “foolishness of man” perverts his way. That simply means he has gotten himself into a predicament. He caused his own problems. It was his fault. However, the predicament and problem are not the reason he is referred to as the foolish man. He is foolish because he tries to blame God.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Let’s not evade responsibility just to avoid blame. Sometimes, the lesson we need to learn is humility. Simply acknowledge that you are just like the rest of us, not perfect. Ask for God’s forgiveness, and if necessary, seek forgiveness from others, and then move on. You will progress further with God’s blessings than by blaming Him for your mistakes. Remember, God also rewards those who follow His lead and commit to leading others.

You do know you are leading someone
whether you want to or night, right?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: August 1, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Isaiah 43 – Isaiah 48
  Proverbs 19:1 – 4

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Psa. 1-5
  Acts 27:1-20

An Unbridled Tongue
July 31, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 18:20-24
A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    I remember hearing as a boy, “that mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble someday.” Today’s passages ring with that very statement. Whether it is for good or bad, a person will have to live with what they have said. Once the words tumble from between your lips, no matter how hard you may try, you can never take them back. Hurtful, slanderous words will cut like a knife to the very heart of another person.

    Some people try to gain popularity and friends with fine words and glamorous speeches. However, if their life does not match their statements, it often becomes their downfall.

    It seems easier to forgive, and yes, even forget a physical punishment faster and easier than verbal abuse. The reason is that Satan will continue to replay those words in your mind until they become like a recording playing over and over every time you see the person who said them.

    In the book of James, it was written that the tongue is hard to tame. James 3:6 says, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”

    Oh, how careful we need to be about what we say. We need to pray that God will help us bridle our tongue so that the words we speak may be meaningful, and that each one would be spoken with love for one another.     

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Psalms 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Who could say it any better than that?

How do you practice guarding your tongue?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: July 31, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Isaiah 38 – Isaiah 42
  Proverbs 18:20 – 24

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Job 39-42
  Acts 26

Decisions, Decisions
July 30, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 18:17-19
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Decisions, decisions—they can drive you crazy. Who is going to make them? What makes a decision right? How do we know it’s right? Just the thought of two different ideas and having to decide between them has driven good friends far apart. Frequently, it is not the decisions that are made, but the decisions never made that cause the most division. It often arises when friends can’t agree on how to disagree. It may well be better for friends to sit down and agree on how a decision will be made before disagreement ever becomes the problem.

    In verse 18 the Bible says, “The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.” In Bible times, the casting of lots was regarded as a fair and just method for resolving issues. It was believed that God, who is in control of all, would then determine the outcome Himself. The decision was considered to be God’s will, and no one could dispute it.

    Today, in our Church, we follow a similar process. When a dispute arises, we first search God’s Word for guidance while fervently praying for a clear understanding. Sometimes, God provides clarity, and a decision is reached at that point. If not, we then bring the matter before the Church Board, consisting of the Pastor, Deacons, and Trustees who were elected by the church to oversee such issues. If the matter remains unresolved, it is presented to the entire church membership, where each member has a voice in the decision. We firmly believe that God intervenes and ultimately determines the outcome through the collective wisdom of His body, the Church, and His decision is regarded as final.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    Ultimately, we seek God’s will in all matters of our lives. Have you ever grappled with a decision in your life and longed to discern God’s will? First, pray and immerse yourself in God’s Word. Next, seek out godly counsel. Finally, let God make the decision, and accept His guidance.

What might you need God’s help with today?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: July 30, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Isaiah 32 – Isaiah 37
  Proverbs 18:17 – 19

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Job 35-38
  Acts 25

Step Aside, We Have A Gift
July 29, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 18:13-16
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    “Coming through, make way, step aside, let them through… they have a gift.” This was probably not your greeting at the last Christmas or birthday party where you brought a gift. There are only a few reasons why this might be the greeting:

• If the gift was so large that it took more than one person to carry it, you may hear this greeting.

• If the gift you were carrying was of such great value, these might be the words people would use.

• If the gift is fragile and the slightest touch or drop would cause horrible damage, this might be the introduction.

    However, for the child of God, the gift mentioned in today’s verse is not often looked upon in this way. This is a gift given to you personally by God. You are specially prepared by God for a specific purpose in this life. God has gifted you to carry out a ministry He desires of you and designed for you.

    If you really think about it, this special gift from God also has all the above qualities. This gift is too large for you to handle alone, which is why God said He would never leave you nor forsake you. It is of such great value that He has placed the Holy Spirit in you as a guard, or as the book of Ephesians calls Him, a seal. Furthermore, you and your gift are of such value that Jesus, the Son of God Himself, came down from Heaven to a sinful world to pay the price for it.

   “Coming through, make way, step aside, let them through… they have a gift.” This gift brings great joy and satisfaction. When used to glorify God, it brings joy to the recipient of the gift, to you as the giver, and to God who created the gift as well.    

 

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

     Ask God today to help you recognize the area of life in which He has gifted you. If you already know your gift, ask Him to help you discover where and how to use it best for Him within the body of Christ. You will find such joy in doing what you were created to do. There is joy in serving Jesus.

What is your Spiritual Gift?
Do you know?
Are you using it for Him?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: July 29, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Isaiah 27 – Isaiah 31
  Proverbs 18:13 – 16

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  Job 32-34
  Acts 24