Month: October 2021

October 24th – James 1:27

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James 1:27

We all know that actions speak louder than words. As Christians, hearing and knowing God’s Word is vital. But even more important is putting that Word into action. Because if as believers we aren’t actively out demonstrating the Lord’s goodness through loving acts, charity, and edifying speech, than we become ineffective witnesses for the Lord. The world in which live is stained with the pollution of sin and suffering. And we, as followers of Jesus, need to remain unblemished by the inequity of the fallen. To have a “pure religion”, which casts aside the evil of this earth and its selfish desires. One which focuses on caring for its most helpless and needy. And when we do, we both become a blessing and receive a blessing. For as Jesus taught, “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:13-14)

October 23rd – 1 John 1:5

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1 John 1:5

Many false religions teach that Jesus was many things, except God in the flesh. But the Bible is very clear. Only those who truly believe that Christ is the Messiah and that it is only though Him can we receive salvation, are His children. And as proof of our family membership, love should spilling out of every area of our lives. And that love should especially be prevalent for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. For John says that those claim to love God, but have no love for others is a liar. (1 John 4:20). Our Heavenly Father showed and continues to show unconditional, unending, love for His children. And as extensions of the Lord on this earth, we need to example that love in all we do. Because when we love with conditions, not only do we turn others away from Christ, we wound the heart of God. For it the wish of every parent for their children to love and care for each other with a true sibling devotion.

October 22nd – Mark 10:17

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Mark 10:17

With Halloween soon approaching, the fascination with ghosts, vampires, and the undead is in full gear. And although we know those spooky things aren’t real, there is a way we can live forever. The Lord and  His disciples were headed to the area on the other side of the Jordan River from Judea. A young man who encountered the Lord, knelt before Him, asking how to obtain eternal life. But Jesus’ answer sends him away grieved. Because the Lord replied that the only way to live forever is to perfectly obey God’s commandments. But when the man says that he’s done that, Jesus says he’s still lacking one thing. To sell all of his worldly possessions, give them to the poor, and follow Him. But the man was unwilling. Was Jesus being unreasonable? Not at all! What He wanted the young man to see was that eternal life is not achieved by our own doing. It is a free gift of love that comes only from the mercy of God and the blood of Jesus Christ.

October 21st – 1 Peter 2:9

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1 Peter 2:9

Of all the different races of people in the world, the most wonderful one is God’s chosen race. A race with no color, or ethnicity. An inclusive race of brothers in sisters in Christ called by God as His own possession. We are a royal priesthood and holy nation, set apart by God. And to be a priest of God means we have duties God expects us to carry out. First we are to be teaching the Word to all who would listen. Next we are to become mediators for the sinful, constantly offering up prayers to God on their behalf. For the Lord called us, His children out of darkness and into His wonderful light. So that we can gloriously represent Him to a dark and fallen worldly. I once heard Christian’s described as beautiful stained glass through which the sunlight of God shines. And this darkened in which we live is in desperate need of God’s light, love, and goodness.

October 20th – Romans 8:29

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Romans 8:29

Becoming a Christian isn’t something that happens by accident. The apostle Paul tells that it’s actually a two tiered system. First, even before we were born God knew which us would believe and arranged beforehand for our salvation. Next, He draws those believers to Himself through faith in Christ. Doing so for the purpose of conforming His chosen into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. For some this can be confusing. Because if God chooses beforehand who will be saved, how does free will come into play? But in Isaiah 55:8-9 God tells us His thoughts and ways are higher than our human minds can comprehend. So even though we might not understand, how both predestination and free will work hand in hand, it’s ok. Because the wonderful bottom line is that who call Jesus Savior, will become children of God, and spend a glorious eternity by His side.

News Of the Day – October 19th

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17 Christian Missionaries Kidnapped In Haiti

An armed Haitian gang kidnapped 17 members of an Ohio-based missionary group, including five children. Sixteen members of the group are American citizens, and one is Canadian. The Ohio-based organization Christian Aid Ministries said the group was on its way home from helping to build an orphanage when they were taken. “We are seeking God’s direction for a resolution, and authorities are seeking ways to help,” the organization said in a statement.” Read more about the kidnapping here. 

 

Texas House Votes to Keep Transgender Girls Put Of Female Sports

A bill that would restrict transgender student athletes from playing on school sports teams that align with their gender identity is heading to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk after the Texas House accepted Senate amendments to the legislation in a 76-61 vote Sunday afternoon. Under HB 25, students would only be permitted to compete on sports teams that correspond to the gender listed on their birth certificate that was assigned at or near the time of birth. Conservatives say the law, which applies to public school teams through high school, are protecting fair competition. Read more about the bill here.

 

China Tests New Space Capability With Hypersonic Missile

China is signaling that a stunning new missile test that reportedly surprised U.S. intelligence officials was not designed to accelerate an arms race with the West but rather to grant Beijing a strategic advantage to seize control of the Taiwan Straits and other hotly contested territory in its region. American officials have expressed grave concern in recent months that China may move to retake control of Taiwan by force in the near future. Beijing considers the isolated democracy to be nothing more than a renegade province of the mainland’s government. Read more about the new missile here.

 

Woman Gives Birth To 14 Pound Baby

A family’s bundle of joy turned out a little bigger than they had expected. Cary and Tim Patonai welcomed their newborn son Finnley earlier this month, and he weighed 14.1 pounds. Patonai was 38 weeks pregnant when she gave birth at the Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale, Arizona. “He was so big plus I had almost double the amniotic fluid, so to say I had a big baby belly and that I was absolutely completely uncomfortable isn’t enough,” Patonai said. “However, I would do it all over again if I had to, to get this blessing.” Read more about this super sized baby boy here.

October 19th – 1 John 3:9

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1 John 3:9

When we confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become new creatures, “born of God.” Adopted children of the Most High, who receive His “spiritual DNA” through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And because of this indwelling, our spiritual hearts should long for a new way of life. One that no longer yearns to walk in sin, concerned only with fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. But instead one which strives to live in God’s perfect will, freed from our old, corrupt way of life. For as John tells us, if we knowingly and eagerly live in habitual sin, we should be questioning our relationship with the Lord. As fallen beings, we all sin and fail daily. But if our hearts and lives remained unchanged as Christians, we have a problem. And if we aren’t feeling convicted, remorseful, or ashamed of our sins, we need to re-examine our faith.

October 18th – Ephesians 6:10

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Ephesians 6:10

One of my very favorite quotes comes from Abraham Lincoln. He famously said, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” This world is filled with troubles, and being a Christian doesn’t make us exempt. In fact it may mean even more trials, suffering, and persecution. But unlike the rest of the world, we don’t fight the battles of life in our power. Instead, we stand in the power and might of God. As Ruler and Creator of all, there is nothing that can overcome God. And nothing that can overcome us when we abide and trust in Him. Each day we need to begin by putting on the armor of God. That way, we can stand strong against the Enemy and victoriously live out God’s will.

October 17th – 1 Peter 2:10

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1 Peter 2:10

When describing Israel, Peter calls them a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God’s own possession. And now, through the blood of Jesus Christ, we too are part of God’s people. And having been grafted into His family, makes us eligible for the same mercy, the same identity, and the same blessings. Once we wandered through life alone, belonging to no one, and serving our own desires. But now, like the Israelites, we belong to God. We are all one people, one nation, whose citizenship is in heaven. And as children of God, we are called by His name, and have the right to call Him, Abba, Father. (John 1:12-13) Like God did for Israel, He is doing for us, preparing a permanent home by His side. Where one day we will all, as one family, dwell with Him for eternity. We will forever be His people, and He will forever be our God.

Man Plans, God Laughs – Proverbs 16

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Proverbs 16 

I’m a list maker. I love to sit down with a cup of hot coffee and make a list of things I need to do for the day. My lists keep me organized, and I get a small feeling of accomplishment as I cross off each task. One Friday night I sat down with my trusted pad of paper and pen, and eagerly wrote down all of the things I planned to get done over the weekend. And as I went to sleep that night with the thoughts of all I wanted to tackle, I awoke to a son with a migraine, a dog having stomach issues, an unexpected early morning visitor, and a complete change in the plans I had so carefully laid out. Hence the quote Man plans, and God laughs. …

Man Plans, God Laughs – Proverbs 16Read More »