03 Saturday Jan 2015
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As Jesus is tempted in Matthew 4, we see Jesus’ example to us on how to combat temptation in our lives. Jesus focuses on the necessity rather than the want. He shows the devil there are things we need in this life as opposed to what we want, which is only something we think we need. The most important thing Jesus shows us is that we are to focus on God’s purpose for our lives. If we focus on anything other than fulfilling our purpose, then we are focusing on the wrong thing.
01 Thursday Jan 2015
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John the Baptist was definitely an interesting character. One of the things I love about him is he speaks his mind and never worries about what others may say about him. John was completely single minded in his purpose on earth. There was no doubt why he was here and he devoted his entire life to announcing the coming of the Messiah and fulfilling prophesy. In Matthew 3:3, John shows through scripture what the prophet Isaiah had to say, This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ “ John’s purpose was also to teach how the message of repentance is good news to those who listen and seek forgiveness through the power of God’s healing love. John’s message is no different today than it was over 2,000 years ago.
31 Wednesday Dec 2014
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Today, as we finish up our 2014 reading plan, we find Jesus appearing to the disciples with His final instructions. I found it interesting that in the beginning of this final chapter in John, Peter went back to what he knew; fishing. It was there that Jesus first found Peter and it is there that Jesus shows Peter that He was the same from before the crucifixion. After an entire fishing trip with nothing to show for it, Jesus commands them to put down their nets on the other side; just like He did when they first met. And like the first time, they experience amazing results. While our circumstances may change, Jesus is the same now as He has ever been. We can count on the stability He brings no matter what this life throws at us. We must all try to remember this as we begin 2015. Happy New Year!!!
28 Sunday Dec 2014
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As we approach the end of 2014, most people will review their accomplishments of this past year and plan for the next. The most important thing to remember is that it is never too late to start. It is never too late to strive for greatness. But greatness does not come easy. There will be struggle and obstacles along the way and it comes down to how we handle these obstacles that make a difference. We either stick to it and fight through the pain, or we give up.
A few of the best quotes from this video are, “Greatness is a lot of small things done well… day after day, workout after workout, obedience after obedience, day after day.” and “You will never be successful until you turn your pain into greatness and you allow your pain to push you to where you need to be. Stop running from your pain and embrace your pain.”
It’s never too late to start. But you can never give up and you must push through the pain.
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26 Friday Dec 2014
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Jesus’ final command before He left this earth, Matthew 28:19-20, 19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus’ command to His disciples back then is no less of a command to us today. He saved us so that we could in turn bring glory to the Father by serving Him. He is with us now and forever.
10 Wednesday Dec 2014
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We are supposed to be God’s hands and feet in this life. When we fail to serve God for His glory and His purpose, we fail at our purpose in life. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says, The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” We are called to serve where service is needed. When we love others through service we bring glory to God and reflect His love on them.
09 Tuesday Dec 2014
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Though God has granted us grace from our sins, He still expects obedience. In Matthew 24:45-46 Jesus says, 45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. We are all called to serve the ‘Master’ until He returns. Though no one knows when that return will be, let us all be hard at work anticipating His return.
08 Monday Dec 2014
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In Mark 13, Jesus spends time with Peter, James, John, and Andrew to talk about the future and signs of His second coming. The main point Jesus was trying to make was to keep a watchful eye and be knowledgeable of the truth versus the lies that are potentially put before us. Jesus concludes the chapter by saying in Mark 13:37, What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ Ultimately, Jesus was not necessarily promoting the end times, He was promoting the importance of living a righteous life that is obedient to God. Whether Jesus comes tomorrow or in several thousand years, should not affect how we live our lives today.
06 Saturday Dec 2014
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As we read Luke 21 today, we cannot help but listen to Jesus’ words and wonder if the end is near. However, when we look back in history, it is easy to see this is not the first time the entire world seems to be turning their eyes from God. We must always remember that our job is not to worry about the end, but the present. God has placed us in this life for a purpose. It is up to us to be obedient in all he has for us to do today. The end will come whether we worry about it or not.
05 Friday Dec 2014
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Jesus was very clear in explaining the consequences of ignoring the “Capstone” (the Messiah). By quoting Psalm 118:22, Jesus showed that even their rejection of the Messiah was prophesied in scriptures. In Luke 20:17-18 Jesus said, 17 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ” ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone’? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” Jesus made it clear that rejecting capstone, or cornerstone, was dangerous. A person could trip or be crushed (judged and punished) by doing so. Jesus’ words were veiled, but the religious leaders had no issue interpreting Jesus’ meaning.
Daily Devotion 