Daily Christian Devotionals

[EricStratton]

Doc,

I know 99 percent of my posts are in jest or borderline (sometimes over-the-line) sarcastic....However, in all sincerity, I appreciate these devotional posts. I read them almost everyday...

ES

[EricStratton]

Okay, I'm not slacking on this thread, but I haven't received my emailed devotional for several days.

What? I thought you were writing all these devotionals yourself! I've been bamboozled....I've been hoodwinked!

Eric X

[EricStratton]

Just for Eric X.

Oh.

Well, the chickens have come home to roost anyway.

(I don't know how that applies here, but it was the only X quote I could think of this early)

[EricStratton]

Thanks Doc....I hear your internet got cut at The River today.

[EricStratton]

Yep. It just came back up. They have most of the campus torn up.

Is this all Katrina repair just starting? How about the gym? What are they doing with that?

[EricStratton]

Last I heard, we are still wrangling with the insurance company.

The current construction is a courtyard between the administration building and Crosby Hall that has been on the books forever.

Gee Whiz!!

[threekidspa]

I think this message isn't stated often enough or fully accepted by those us is that hear it. If it were, the heated debates we often find ourselves in because we percieve that something might be a threat to our Christianity would probably not happen. The fundamental thing here is our faith is in a victorious Savior! He wins, hands down. Nothing other men can say, do, dream up, invent, write, spew, sputter, or whatever, can stand in the way of that happening, and that is the rock our faith should be anchored to.

[KingMaker]

Thanks Doc

After stirring up all the trouble I have today, I need that.

[EricStratton]

Thanks Doc

After stirring up all the trouble I have today, I need that.

Don't worry, KM, you still have a 33 groan deficit to me. I know that I am probably not a good benchmark, but....

[EricStratton]

Hey Stratton, just helpin' you out. :)

No, no, no....it wouldn't be right for me to have more groans than you. I insist. :)

[SueScribe]

I'm your huckleberry.

http://www.thelin.net/laurent/cinema/photos/tombstone/val_kilmer.jpg

"Poor devil. The stress was more than he could beah."

"Come darlin', let's seek ouah entertainment elsewheah."

[EricStratton]

"Poor devil. The stress was more than he could beah."

"Come darlin', let's seek ouah entertainment elsewheah."

"Yaw no daisy!"

Who am I kiddin? You are a daisy, Sue...Where u been all day? You would have enjoyed the action today.

[SueScribe]

May 24, 2007
David: Forward by Faith
1 Samuel 17:31-51 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017:31-51;&version=49;)

. . .

As maturing Christians, we must examine our motives for desiring victory in any battle we face. . . .

Until we also desire a godly makeover, our motivations will be wrong. A person with right motives says, "I don't like my 'Goliath.' But if I have to fight this battle to be the person God wants me to be, then I'm willing."

Thanks, Doc.

Amen.

[SueScribe]

"Yaw no daisy!"

Who am I kiddin? You are a daisy, Sue...Where u been all day? You would have enjoyed the action today.

I've heard about the broo-ha-ha, a little. I'm going to try to catch up this morning. Yesterday, I was . . battling a Goliath . . and examining my motives, the real reason for the fight. Frankly, I'm good with my reasons. Doc's passage this morning hit the nail on its proverbial head.

Ya'll are so wonderful.

By the way:

Ringo: "Holiday, you're so drunk you gotta be seeing double." (paraphrased)

Doc, brandishing two pistols:

"Yeah, and I've got two of `em, one for each of yuh."

[Monkey]

What a great devotion for today Doc. I definitely needed this one in my life today! Thanks!!

ES, I'm a little confused why you groaned Doc on that one?

[Monkey]

ES, am I missing something?

[eyescene]

Thanks I really needed that and I'm forwarding it to someone else too. :clap:

[EricStratton]

May 29, 2007
The Challenge of Forgiving Ourselves
Psalm 32:1-2 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2032:1-2&version=49;)

Yesterday, we considered why people fail to forgive themselves. Today, let's look at questions to ask yourself when you struggle with self-condemnation.

First, Why should I continue to condemn myself when God no longer condemns me?

Second, Is my self-condemnation drawing me closer to God, or is it driving me farther from Him?

Third, What good am I doing by refusing to forgive myself?

Fourth, Is my self-condemnation helping or hurting my relationships with others?

Fifth, Does my refusal to forgive myself impress God? Does He find me more devout because of my guilt and shame?

Sixth, Is there any biblical basis for not forgiving myself?

Seventh, How long do I intend to condemn myself? What will be the end result?

Normally, the answers to these questions are obvious. But if you're stuck in a self-condemning mindset, the truth may seem hazy.

Often, the only way to work through times of self-doubt and remorse is to focus on God and His will for your life. If you struggle with self-forgiveness, prayerfully consider these seven questions. Read them out loud. Let them work through your spirit. You may even want to open a journal and write down your thoughts as the Lord speaks to you. You'll surely face some intense heart struggles as you consider these points, and as God reorders your thoughts about yourself.

Great messages the last two days, Doc...I struggled with this exact thing for a few years...I finally figured out that I was mistaking others' condemnation for God's...It was a special moment when I realized this truth...

[EricStratton]

June 22, 2007
The Importance of Baptism
Matthew 3:13-17 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%203:13-17;&version=49;)

Children sometimes identify themselves with superheroes or other characters. For a season, they'll adopt the mannerisms, dress, and speech patterns of their current favorite. As Christians, we're supposed to imitate Jesus.

Our Savior commands us to follow His example in all things, including baptism: Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." At the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus chose to be baptized. John the Baptist was calling the Jewish people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the Jordan River. Sinless Jesus joined the crowd at the river and asked John to baptize Him. The Lord chose to affiliate Himself with sinful man. When we follow His example in the waters of baptism, we're publicly confessing our faith in the Savior and identifying ourselves with Him.

Baptism allows us to demonstrate our connection with Jesus and with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We're all members of one body under the authority of the same Lord. But it's important to remember that Ephesians 2:8-9 says faith in Jesus Christ is the only requirement for salvation, not baptism. But, to fulfill His command, we're to be baptized following our decision to accept Him into our lives.

Luke 11:33 says we should never hide our belief in Jesus. We should express it through our words and actions. Have you matched your confession of faith with baptism?

I liked this devotional, Doc, but I've struggled with some people's interpretation of this text.....For instance, I grew up in the Methodist church and was baptized in the Methodist church....my wife grew up Baptist....We've gone to and been involved in Baptist churches in different places we've lived, but I've never officially joined any of these churches due to the baptism requirement....I don't see the need to be re-baptized...I have no problem confessing or expressing my faith, but I've never received a fulfilling explanation of why my Methodist baptism isn't sufficient....

[aaron]

I've added the capability to automatically link Bible verses through the forum.


Example: John 3:16

[threekidspa]

I heard Sandi Patti sing God Bless America at our church in Atlanta. It brought tears to my eyes to hear the power of her voice and to consider the blood shed by the men and women of our country, and especially the blood shed by our wonderful Savior.

Hey man, welcome back!

[jessi_s]

This is a good one, and while all this is true, I"ve been a Christian since I was 11 years old, am now 22. I know you are not saying that Christians don't have fleshly desires, because we do. But like in my case, I had a dead beat dad, and he left a void, a hole in my heart. I didn't think to let God take that hole, or to fill that void. He had (I won't say every because I don't remember at that time) nearly every other place in my heart, but I didn't think to let Him fill that one. My dad hurt me, my father figure had just died, and I had a big void to fill. I tried to fill it with guys, with drinking, with anything other than God. While I knew all these things were wrong, I just wanted the pain to go away... It wasn't until just this past year, and maybe even this year that I realized that my Father in Heaven is nothing like my dad. He is the ultimate daddy. He wanted to be at my wedding, He wants to talk to me every day. He calls me, He cares about what's going on in my life and He wanted to be there for me when I was going thru hard times. I never realized that. He is my daddy. My earthly dad isn't, never has been.

I guess my point in this, is that one this devotion reminded me of all those things and sorry guys, but you know when you just gotta spill, it just comes out?? And that you don't have to be a non-believer to feel the temptation of earthly desires...

[jessi_s]

Hope it's ok that I posted that Doc... sorry if it's not... Didn't know how much of a feedback thread this was... I can delete it if you want me to.

[jessi_s]

I wish more people would post how these devotionals speak to them. So, thank you!

No, thank you Doc!!!

[jessi_s]

I struggle with the flesh every single day. Some days I follow the Lordship of Jesus more closely than other days.

Thank God that we are all still works in progress.

Always growing, always changing... growing stronger and closer to God and the closer we are, the better it is to hear what His will is. I've learned that one the hard way!

[raina snow]

is it ok if I share my daily devotional for today with everyone I thought it was so good.
Christ is . . .
(J. C. Ryle (http://www.gracegems.org/Ryle/books.htm))
"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."

True Christians have trustful thoughts of Christ.
They daily lean the weight of their souls upon
Him by faith--for pardon and peace.
They daily commit the care of their souls to Him
--as a man commits a treasure to a safe keeper.
They daily cling to Him by faith--as a child in
a crowd clings to its mother's hand.
They look to Him daily for . . .
mercy,
grace,
comfort,
help,
strength,
guidance.
Christ is . . .
the rock under their feet,
the staff in their hands,
their ark and their city of refuge,
their sun and their shield,
their bread and their medicine,
their health and their light,
their fountain and their shelter,
their portion and their home,
their advocate and their physician,
their captain and their elder brother,
their life,
their hope,
their all.

[timforjesus]

sweet that means i can post on here too... i didn't know if this was specifically yours or what... i write my own...

[timforjesus]

ok will do

[threekidspa]

July 19, 2007
Choosing to Forgive
Ephesians 4:31-32


This is a good one Doc, Thanks! I've had this discussion with people before (including my kids). One question always seems to come up as to 'when' you're supposed to do it? Is it when the supposed offender 'asks' for it, or do you forgive after you're own prayer and meditation? For me its the latter...forgiveness is the way to peace, where you let the offense go and let God deal with it. If you had to carry the burden all these 'offenses' around until whoever did it asked you, you'd probably be carring them for a LONG time, and you're essentially saying you don't trust God to handle the problem. This is yet one more thing I have to remind myself of all the time.

[SueScribe]

Guilt is an emotional conflict that arises from second thoughts about a particular action or thought.

Emotional conflicts are self-absorbing, too. Don't you think? And self - with a capital S - is usually at the heart of disobedience to God and etc. etc. etc. I think. Just me, of course.

I love your stuff, Doc. You're my spiritual huckelberry. :oops:

[Imapepper]

That's a good message, Doc. We heard basically the same thing from our Pastor last night.

[SueScribe]

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11:1, KJV

(Doc's daily devotionals are always pointed in my direction, I feel . .)

The scripture above, I have found, is a decent answer to anyone who questions one's beliefs in God in the face of personal or other disaster, when one is perhaps not jumping up and down tyring to "do something about it!" or perhaps has said, "I'm leaving it in God's hands."

Speaking from my own experience, I spent the bulk of my young life playing Assistant to God. (the end result of a lack of faith.) Not that I didn't defiantly tell all who tried to reason with me in the face of serious difficulties, "YES, By God, I have FAITH!." I'd say that, then micro-manage the problems (some quite dangerous), insert myself in God's work, and, VI-OH-LAH :

Dismal, unequivocal failures followed, and in one - the last - instance I swore myself in as Assistant To God, an indescribable disaster resulted that rearranged who and what I am, who my children came to be, from the inside out. I finally got The Faith Picture.

That being said, it's works-in-progress. Faith, that is.

Sue

[kevin]

It's a blessing that you realize the differance in expectations. I Homeschooled my Step-son who had fallen a couple grades behind in Math and Science.I wanted him to do what I wish I could go back and do.Good luck on the Homeschooling!

[CUPCAKE]

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40: 31


Doc, whenever I read your devotionals I always see this, my very favorite scripture. Its beside my bed, over my computer and in my heart. Its my inspiration. Thanks!

[Imapepper]

Another good one, Doc. Thanks for taking the time to post these. :clap:

[kevin]

This is so true!Thanks QM! Wonderful Post!

[eyescene]

Wheres Doc not that I mind reading yours QM, just wondering?

[Sister Golden Hair]

Wonderful and you are so right- he'll take you just as you are!

[BlueDogDemocrat]

TRULY admitting sin is a difficult thing to do. Like many of God's commandments, it forces us to do something that "goes against the grain" of human nature. In sum, I believe the Good Lord wants to teach us the value of Good: it is the fruit of choices that are usually not so easy to make.

[Imapepper]

What a true, inspirational devotion!

[jessi_s]

Before we moved down here, praying about a move was something we did every night. We didn't want the move to be based on what we wanted, but based on what God wanted for our lives. He lead us down here, and I truly believe that. I had tossed up the ideas of going to MSU and Alcorn as well as USM and had applied to alcorn at the same time I applied here to USM. Well, my sister talked to me and told me that she would help us out if we stayed there and i commuted to Alcorn during the week for school and just got another job there. She would pay for gas and we could keep our apartment that we had and everything. It sounded good and I thought that I would make my decision when I got the acceptance/rejected letters came in. The only letter I got was from USM until several weeks after we moved down here. God made up my mind for me and He sent us here. Prayer is powerful. It's saved my life in more than one way.

[eyescene]

Thanks QM!!! I also look at that from an ex-smokers stand point!!!

[Imapepper]

Garbage in----Garbage out. That is a simplification of today's message, I think.

[eyescene]

Pepper I love your new Avatar!!!

[Fish-Bait]

We are born with certain innate abilities. The natural talents each person has been given depend on what the Lord plans to accomplish in and through that life. When an individual is “born again” and becomes a member of God’s family, the Holy Spirit then endows the new believer with one or more spiritual gifts.


Readin' this reminded me of a painting I saw one time. I was on a field trip in High School and we went to an art show. I walked up to this black background painting...It was really strange lookin'. It portrayed a dark ominous thunderstorm in the desert and you could see a small town down in the valley. When you stood up close to it that's what it looked like.
One of the gallery workers saw me studyin' this thing and could tell I was intrigued by it (which I was because I just couldn't figure out what the artist was tryin' to portray.)

She asked me to step back a few feet and focus on the light lavender lightnin' bolts and wind gusts.......And there was Jesus's portrait lookin' out over the town from above (although up close it was a thunderstorm). Whoever painted it was talented. I wish I woulda' had the money to buy it. I think back then it was about 150 bucks. It's prolly the neatest paintin' I have ever laid eyes on.

[omie2]

Queen Mother - thank you so much for doing this. I really enjoy your posts here.

[EricStratton]

Thanks, QM.....I needed to read that today.....been a rough stretch for a young ball coach the last few weeks.....

Miss you on here.....

P.S.
Kyra Sedgewick(sp?) is hot.....I've probably already posted that before!

[Baloo]

Thanks for keeping this thread alive Queen Mother... I have missed you on here!

[Baloo]

yes, he did... where is he??? He hasn't been on here in forever... or Zorro... I miss their posts!

[SueScribe]

Someone may have asked this question before, but I'm too lazy to scroll back this morning, so: QM ? Where do these daily devotionals come from, that is, whose are they? Is it Charles Armstrong or some-such?

[Baloo]

So many times I have turned to the hymnal for spiritual reflection and through out the year, this hymn, as penned by Hery Wadsworth Longefellow, remains one of my favorites, with the final verse “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men.” saying it all...

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

As you go through out this holiday season, may your hearts and minds be filled with thoughts of our Savior... may you take time to hear the "angels sing"... may you remember those in need of both spiritual and temporal things and be willing to share what you are able to... may you take time to remember those who are serving our country and who will be away from their loved ones... may your hearts be uplifted and may your souls be filled with songs of joy and reflections of "peace on earth, good will to men"....


Merry Christmas,

Baloo

[Baloo]

Thanks dollfus... that message was written from my heart... this one is one that I found today that I liked and thought that I would share with everyone...


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=12 width="98%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=bold>Hymns of Praise</TD><TD class=bold width="45%">Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell</TD></TR><TR><TD class=messagetext align=left colSpan=2>The psalms are hymns of praise to God written in poetic style. Their authors lived thousands of years ago in a culture that would be unfamiliar to many modern readers. Some of the psalms were meant to be sung, but we can only guess at the music and meter that once accompanied them.


Yet there’s something about the psalms that speaks to the heart and transcends time and culture. Their messages have inspired gifted musicians throughout the world to set them to their own music, and as a result the psalms have a larger audience today than ever before. What is it that makes these ancient poems such an inexhaustible source of inspiration?

Perhaps it’s the range of emotions they so eloquently express. Some are psalms of rejoicing and gladness; others are poignant prayers for relief from suffering. Some express reverent awe for God’s creations; others express comforting reassurance of His love.

Choirs today sing the psalms because these themes are universal. Even if we’ve never seen a flock of sheep, somehow we all can relate to these words from the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (vv. 1–2). In our own way, we, like the psalmist, must “walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” but we can say with him, “I will fear no evil: for [the Lord is] with me” (v. 4).

Maybe our world today isn’t so different from the world of the psalmist who wrote these beautiful words.


That seems to be a central message of the 150 hymns in the Book of Psalms. In spite of our differences, we all have feelings that can only be expressed in a song of praise. The last verse of the last psalm says it best: “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).




</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Scarlett O'Hara]

Thanks Baloo for helping me in all the hustle and bustle to remember the REASON!

[Baloo]

You are most welcome Scarlet... I had to stop and remind myself...

[Baloo]

http://gregolsengallery.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/I%20stand%20at%20the%20door%20and%20knock%20large. jpg

[Baloo]

Thank you Queen Mother and Sister Golden Hair... I love this thread and just wanted to keep it going... I need it!

[Baloo]

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight.

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.

Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa -

[Baloo]

http://gregolsengallery.com/Merchant2/images/PRIN0001.jpg


1 And (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/1a) seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
<O:p</O:p
3 Blessed (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/3a) are the poor (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/3b) in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/3c) of heaven.
<O:p</O:p
4 Blessed are they that mourn (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/4a): for they shall be comforted (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/4b).
<O:p</O:p
5 Blessed are the meek (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/5a): for they shall inherit the earth (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/5b).
<O:p</O:p
6 Blessed are they which do hunger (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/6a) and thirst after righteousness (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/6b): for they shall be filled.
<O:p</O:p
7 Blessed are the merciful (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/7a): for they shall obtain mercy.
<O:p</O:p
8 Blessed are the pure (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/8a) in heart (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/8b): for they shall see (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/8c) God.
<O:p</O:p
9 Blessed are the peacemakers (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/9a): for they shall be called the children (http://scriptures.lds.org/en/matt/5/9b) of God.
</O:p
Matthew 5: 1-9

[Imapepper]

Cleansed by Grace
By Micca Monda Campbell

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleans us from al unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Devotion:
When you step into a mud puddle, do you become mud or muddy? You become muddy. You don't turn into the substance of mud. You simply get a little dirty. It's nothing that a foot washing can't cure.

Likewise, once you and I have been cleansed from our past, present, and future sins through Jesus Christ, we become a clean, brand new person. Once in a while, we're going to trip up and step into sin, but that doesn't mean we become the old person that we once were. No, it means we simply need a foot washing.

Remember that sacred night after supper when Jesus took a towel and began washing the disciple's feet? Peter was appalled! He couldn't conceive why Jesus would stoop to a servant's job and wash his feet. Yet, in those days, it was customary for the host to wash the feet of their guest as an act of love. While Jesus was modeling love along with humble service, His actions also symbolized daily spiritual cleansing.

Jesus explained to Peter that without cleansing no one could have a part of Him (John 13: 8). Desiring Jesus above all, Peter preferred not only his feet to be washed, but his entire body as well. Yet, there was no need, for Peter had already been made clean. He only needed to wash the day's mud from his feet. Through this humble display, Jesus reveals to us a beautiful example of how we can be cleansed by grace as we daily confess our sins.

Sometimes though, we often experience shame when we sin against our Savior causing us to yearn for cleansing all over just as Peter did. However, Jesus is there to remind us that His grace is sufficient. There is no commendation for those who have been washed in His blood, forgiven by grace, and kept by the power of His love.

Not only do we need a daily foot washing, our brothers and sisters do as well. Often when we've been sinned against, we want to sling mud at that person. Instead, we should offer them the same love, humble service, and grace that we have received.

Daily, we should wash one another's feet in the pool of forgiveness. Feet that have been washed by the Savior are feet that will run swiftly to wash another's. For how can we condemn our brothers and sisters when we, too, have stood in the same mud puddle?

Once you and I have been cleansed through salvation, it never needs repeating. On occasion, however, we may need to purge a little mud. Still, as we agree with God about our sin, Jesus, in an act of love, takes a towel and a handful of grace and kneels to wash our feet. John promises us in our key verse "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleans us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NKJ).

Dear Lord, open my eyes so that I can perceive the Your grace that You freely lavish upon me daily. Then, Lord, by the same token given to me, help me dispense Your grace upon others as well, in Jesus' Name, Amen