31 Friday May 2013
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It is important to remember that God did not ask us to live a safe life. He challenged us to take risks and live a life that trusts in Him.
If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.
30 Thursday May 2013
Posted in Reflection
I felt like being challenged today so I figured I would find a Francis Chan video. This video did not disappoint me. The underlying message here is God is always in control. We may think we are in control or need to be in control, but ultimately God has a perfect plan.
If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.
29 Wednesday May 2013
Posted in Reflection
This is the story of Zach Sobiech. Zach passed away recently at the young age of 18 after battling a rare for of cancer since the age of 14. The video is a bit long, but I would highly recommend you find the time towatch and really reflect on what is important in your life. This video challenged me to look at my life and find a way to live as if today could be my last day. I hope you are moved by it and I suggest you have a box of tissues near by.
If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.
28 Tuesday May 2013
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In 2 Samuel 7 we see David wanting to build a place of honor for the ark of God. But God tells David it is not necessary. As God explains it, His ark has been in a tent since the day the Israelites left Egypt. God is not concerned with the things of this world. He does not need the same physical things we think we need. He is concerned with the hearts of men and their obedience to His commands. We should remember this when we think we need fancy buildings and creative worship “experiences” in our churches. God doesn’t need or want any of those things. If we are available to Him with open and obedient lives, God will use us more than any cathedral ever could.
27 Monday May 2013
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I know I’ve written about Proverbs 30:8-9 before because I really like the way it challenges me and convicts me, Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord ?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. As Americans we strive for more and more. I love how these verses challenge us to strive more and more for God instead of our own sustainability.
26 Sunday May 2013
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I’m a little disappointed that our reading plan today took us through the entire book of Philippians in a single shot. There is so much information in this letter from Paul and it is difficult to summarize it all. If I had to pick one verse that stood out to me today it would be Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers, 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. This verse is a great summary of where our focus should be in our lives. I feel we tend to focus on the negatives too often; mostly because it’s easy to pick things apart. We should spend our time finding the good and work on multiplying it in all we do.
25 Saturday May 2013
Posted in Daily Reading
Today we learn more lessons from David. In 1 Samuel 30:6 it says, David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. Even when the world seemed to be against David, he still found strength in The Lord. One of my biggest weaknesses is I look for strength through others. While there is nothing wrong in drawing strength and encouragement from others, the only strength I really need is that of The Lord’s.
24 Friday May 2013
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There are many lessons to be learned from David’s life. Today’s reading shows how much respect David had for God’s anointed king. Once again, David had the opportunity to end Saul’s life and rid himself of the man who wanted him destroyed. Instead, David spares Saul’s life and shows the king respect along with giving the king an opportunity for reconciliation. There have been times in my life where someone I considered an enemy was in a position where I could get revenge by my words or actions. Unfortunately, I didn’t always show grace to them. As I’ve gotten older I have learned the benefit of reflecting God’s grace on someone whether I feel they deserve it or not. Most of the time showing someone grace benefits me more than it benefits them.
23 Thursday May 2013
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In today’s reading we see how merciful David could be. David had the loyalty of his men, and they wanted to see their leader blessed, but David knew he needed to be faithful to God and allow God to take care of his needs. When David encountered Saul in the cave he could have killed him and all his problems would have been solved. Instead he decided to take a piece of Saul’s robe to prove the point that he could have killed Saul. But even this caused David to repent because he knew it was disrespectful of his king. Even when we don’t like our leader we must still respect them. God places them in our path for a reason and we must trust in Him and for the purpose.
22 Wednesday May 2013
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In 1 Samuel 20, there is the story of David and Jonathan . I’ve heard it said that every man should have a Jonathan in his life; a man who is closer than a brother. I’ve had the privilege of having a friend like that. We have know each other for almost 35 years and I can honestly say I trust Erik with my life. We’ve laughed, fought, talked and cheered for a long time together. I can honestly say that God speaks through him into my life more than either of us would care to admit. For me, sometimes I just need someone to stab me in the chest (as opposed to my back) and just tell me the truth no matter how painful it may be. It is for this reason I love the story of David and Jonathan. They’re friendship is an example of the kind of close relationship every man should have. May God bless my friendship with Erik and may He continue to strengthen us as we strengthen each other. It is fitting that today we read Proverbs 27:17, As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. And… Go Canes!!!
Daily Devotion 