2013 Day 202 – Michael Jordan

21 Sunday Jul 2013

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For today’s reflection, I though I would share this simple quote by arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. We as believers spend too much time striving for perfection. It is not in those pursuits that God’s power can be used the most. It is in our realization that we can’t do it without Him. We are going to miss shots in life. But when we do, let us remember that God never misses if we allow Him to be in control.

I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. –Michael Jordan

 

2013 Day 201 – Hosea 1-4, Song of Songs 6

20 Saturday Jul 2013

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Today we begin the book of Hosea, which was written during a prosperous time for Israel, though it was morally declining. The book was written to illustrate Israel’s unfaithfulness to God when Hosea is commanded to marry a promiscuous woman named Gomer. Hosea’s relationship with her, her adultery, and their children became living prophetic examples to Israel. As I read this book I am amazed by Hosea’s obedience to God, but then I am reminded of God’s faithfulness to me. This story illustrates my relationship to God and how I stray from my faithfulness to Him. I read this book reminded of how my relationship to God must change and how it must grow for me to be more faithful to Him.

2013 Day 200 – 1 Chronicles 27-29, Song of Songs 5

19 Friday Jul 2013

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As we come to the end of 1 Chronicles, we see just how much God has blessed David. He has set up the nation of Israel to be powerful and to prosper. And while we know David wasn’t perfect, he was obedient to God and prepared Israel for a powerful succession to Solomon. None of us are perfect. But we are all called to be obedient and to acknowledge God’s leading role in our lives. Never lose sight of our purpose in life, which is to follow God and allow His will to be accomplished through our lives.

2013 Day 199 – 1 Chronicles 24-26, Song of Songs 4

18 Thursday Jul 2013

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There was not a lot to be taken out of today’s reading. The only thing I can say: there is nothing that is unimportant to God. Whenever I see counting in scripture, I am reminded of the importance of God’s precision. Nothing He has done or ever will do is and accident. It is comforting to know God has a perfect plan for each of us.

2013 Day 198 – 1Chronicles 21-23, Song of Songs 3

17 Wednesday Jul 2013

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David was tempted into taking a census of his mighty men. At first glance it is hard to understand why God would be displeased with David for counting his men, but God was unhappy because David counted his men as a matter of pride. By counting his men, David would have easily trusted more in the power of his men than in the power of God. Sometimes we do the same thing. We count our accomplishments, money, and awards and feel as though we can conquer anything by our own abilities. We must never forget where our blessings comes from; it comes from God and He deserves to be thanked and praised for all He gives us.

2013 Day 197 – 1 Chronicles 18-20, Song of Songs 2

16 Tuesday Jul 2013

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As we continue to look at David’s life in our reading today, we see how blessed he was by God. While we know David was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, we do know that God called him a man after His own heart. God does not expect perfection from any of us. He expects us to have a real relationship with Him. We are redeemed by God’s grace and He does not expect perfection in order to lead us and bless us. We must look to God’s guidance in our lives and act according to His leading. Perfection has never been and never will be the goal.

2013 Day 196 – 1 Chronicles 15-17, Song 0f Songs 1

15 Monday Jul 2013

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Sometimes doing the right things does not feel good to those around us. Sometimes doing the right things actually offends others. David is a great example of someone who does the right thing despite what those around him may think. When David rejoiced and looked foolish in the eyes of his wife, he knew it was more important to please God than to please anyone around him. When we make our choices, we should always make them to please and glorify God no matter what the consequences may be.  

2013 Day 195 – Andy Stanley: Grace and the Ten Commandments

14 Sunday Jul 2013

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I love listening to Andy Stanley. He is one of those people who can take a complex subject and make is seem simple. I am sharing this video because of the simple message of Grace he shares. The basic message in this video is that Law is not the opposite of Grace, Law is the extension of Grace. God provided His law to keep us safe, not to imprison us through His rules. I hope you enjoy this quick message. (Please ignore the final few minutes of the video where it talks about donations for a free copy of the book)

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.

2013 Day 194 – 1 Chronicles 12-14, Ecclesiastes 12

13 Saturday Jul 2013

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Today we finished the book of Ecclesiastes. While I have read this book a few times, this time it seemed to grab my attention. In the end, the last couple verses summed it up. Verses 13 and 14 say, 13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. We may be successful in hiding our sin from the rest of the world, but God knows all that we have done in this life. By committing our lives to Him, we dedicate all we are to serving Him. Thank God for His grace and forgiveness, but let us not kid ourselves that He doesn’t see our sins. Let us work to live lives that honor God instead of a life that disappoints Him. Anything else we dedicate time and energy is meaningless.

2013 Day 193 – 1 Chronicles 9-11, Ecclesiastes 11

12 Friday Jul 2013

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Once again, the few short verses of Ecclesiastes spoke to me today. This time, the verse that stood out was Ecclesiastes 11:8, However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. God never promised us a painless existence here on earth. In fact, Solomon says there will be many dark days. But we must remember to enjoy the years God has given us. This is a moment of our existence in eternity.