Daily Devotion, Daily Wisdom

baddison · #1 11-06-2009, 08:03 AM

Nov. 6, 2009

Devotional:

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 (KJV)

Paul knew hardship: take a look in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 at the list of just some of the difficult challenges he had to face. His "present sufferings" make most of our difficulties seem tame by comparison. However, Paul could say confidently that the glory he would have with Christ (cf. Col. 3:1-4) would be so incredible, with blessings so fantastic, that his hardships are minor in comparison. That glory will also be ours! Now isn't that fantastic news.

PRAYER:

Holy and Almighty God, you are awesome, glorious, and majestic. I praise you for reaching down and saving me by your grace. Father, most of the time my faith is strong and I feel confident about my future. However, at times my faith can waver when I’m confronted with grave difficulties. Give me courage and boldness, dear God, to face those challenges with the conviction that they are actually minor in comparison to the glory you will share with me when Jesus returns. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)

baddison · #2 11-07-2009, 09:51 AM

Nov. 7, 2009

Devotional:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; Ephesians 2:19-20 (KJV)

"We belong!" That's what the apostle Paul is telling us. We're not outsiders or second-class citizens or "Johnny come lately" children of God. Because of grace, we belong! We are part of God's house! The foundation of that house is made up of the apostles and prophets. The cornerstone of that house is Jesus himself. Incredibly, we are also a part of this holy house of God. We belong!

PRAYER:
El Shaddai, God of the mountains and LORD God Almighty, the covenant God of Israel, from age to age your steadfast love has blessed your people with your promises, your grace, and your future. Thank you for bringing me into your people by grace through faith in Jesus. Thank you for making me a vital part of your house. Forgive me for the times that I have doubted my importance to your cause and awaken in me the realization that I belong to you, to your people, and to your house. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wisdom:
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:14 (KJV)

Shimmie · #3 11-07-2009, 01:07 PM

Baddison, thank you so much for sharing these with us. Beautiful words of God's love for us.

It shines the love of your heart for God and your Ministry to encourage those in the Body of Christ.

I love Ephesians Chapter 2. It truly blessed my heart when I saw this in your post. It reminded me of a promise God made to me; a promise that He doesn't want me to forget.

Thank you so much for posting this.

God bless you.

baddison · #4 11-09-2009, 08:28 AM

Nov. 9, 2009

Devotional:
My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Proverbs 3:21-22 (KJV)

God used his wisdom to create the cosmos and all that is in it. Through his discernment, he appointed to each being and to each item its place in his dazzling display of diversity. He has chosen to share that wisdom and discernment with those who reverence him and search for his wisdom. If we will use that wisdom and discernment we will possess the greatest of all jewels and a blessing that will enrich our life.

PRAYER:
Father, I know that you will bless me with wisdom if I ask. I am asking for that wisdom, dear Father. I want to live a holy life that is clearly a reflection of your character and in honor of your holiness. Bless me with wisdom and discernment as I face the day-to-day decisions that I must make that impact the lives of others. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wisdom:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Shimmie · #5 11-09-2009, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddison

Nov. 9, 2009

Devotional:
My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Proverbs 3:21-22 (KJV)

God used his wisdom to create the cosmos and all that is in it. Through his discernment, he appointed to each being and to each item its place in his dazzling display of diversity. He has chosen to share that wisdom and discernment with those who reverence him and search for his wisdom. If we will use that wisdom and discernment we will possess the greatest of all jewels and a blessing that will enrich our life.

PRAYER:
Father, I know that you will bless me with wisdom if I ask. I am asking for that wisdom, dear Father. I want to live a holy life that is clearly a reflection of your character and in honor of your holiness. Bless me with wisdom and discernment as I face the day-to-day decisions that I must make that impact the lives of others. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wisdom:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Thank you Baddison...

baddison · #6 11-10-2009, 05:13 AM

Nov. 10, 2009

Devotional:
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and [that] he might comfort your hearts. Ephesians 6:22 (KJV)

As Paul faced the difficulties of imprisonment, he was more concerned about the people in Ephesus than he was about himself. Rather than keeping Tychicus close at hand for his own personal benefit, Paul sent him back to bless the people in Asia Minor. Even in his time of difficulty and danger, Paul was concerned more to bless than he was to be blessed. Isn't that a great example to us today? We so often get upset about our minor inconveniences and ruin our attitude toward everyone around us. Paul's example should convict us and lead us to be a blessing to others regardless of our circumstances.

PRAYER:
Father, forgive me for letting my difficulties ruin my attitude. I want to be a blessing to others no matter my personal circumstances. Convict me with your Spirit when I begin to focus too much on myself and my situation. Expand my heart with your grace so that I can use my inconveniences, problems, struggles, and challenges to be opportunities to share and to display your grace.

Wisdom:
The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. Proverbs 12:13 (KJV)

baddison · #7 11-11-2009, 07:24 AM

Nov. 11, 2009

Devotional:
Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:19 (KJV)

What is your source of significance? This proverb challenges us to view the world upside down to the rest of culture. Humility and association with the lowly and oppressed are valued by God. Abusive power and arrogance are not. God didn't just give us this proverb; he sent us his Son to demonstrate it. Now if we can only learn to live it. Ah! But Jesus does give us the opportunity to demonstrate it when he says, "Follow me!" (cf. John 13)

PRAYER:
Father, I do recognize my weakness and vulnerability to temptation, to the lure of my culture's facades, and to the pressure to be like the "popular crowd." Thank you for Jesus, who had power but displayed humility, who had position but identified with the abandoned, forgotten, and rejected. Please use me to be a difference-maker in my world by including those who are left out, forgotten, and disenfranchised. In Jesus name. Amen.

Wisdom:
He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 1 John 2:9 (KJV)

baddison · #8 11-12-2009, 08:03 AM

Nov. 12, 2009

Devotional:
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 (KJV)
Character is measured by the love and faithfulness we genuinely display in our daily lives. These are not simple virtues that we can fake. Merciful love is displayed when we have power over another but choose to treat them with kindness and genuine concern. Faithfulness is being a person of truth -- genuine and trustworthy in word and deed. These virtues need to be a part of our everyday lives and permeate our very identity. When they do, others will notice and God will be pleased.
PRAYER:
Holy God -- faithful and compassionate, full of mercy and steadfast love -- I praise you for your example of strength and mercy, holiness and compassion, love and faithfulness. Carve these character traits on my heart as I submit myself to your will and open my life to your Spirit's transformational power. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
A sound heart [is] the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. Proverbs 14:30 (KJV)

baddison · #9 11-13-2009, 07:47 AM

Nov. 13, 2009

Devotional:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 (KJV)
Isn't it incredible! Even in those times when my words are blocked and my heart is heavy, God hears my prayers. It is not because I am articulate, wise, or faithful enough to pray as I should. No, it is because God has graciously placed his Spirit in our hearts to make known what my words cannot capture and my mind cannot verbalize. God hears my groanings, my yearnings, my heartbreaks, and my heart-cries. He knows what I cannot think, but only feel. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, he answers those unuttered prayers with his presence, grace, and power.

PRAYER:
Father, I am comforted by the assurance that even if I don't know what to say, you know what I cannot articulate. I trust you to answer my longings as you see fit, for I know that you know what I need far more than I know how to ask for it. In Jesus' name, and with full confidence in the Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 (KJV)

Butterfly08 · #10 11-13-2009, 11:55 AM

Thank you Baddison, I love the format of these devotionals, brief, to the point and scripturally based. Are you writing them yourself? If so, awesome job! I only read the first one but I am coming back after work to read the rest!

baddison · #11 11-14-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butterfly08

Thank you Baddison, I love the format of these devotionals, brief, to the point and scripturally based. Are you writing them yourself? If so, awesome job! I only read the first one but I am coming back after work to read the rest!

Yeah, I love these too. They really help me to keep things in perspective as far as my Christian walk is concerned. Unfortunatly I CANNOT take credit for authoring these. As a Pastor, my husband subscribes to multiple devitional newsletters at a time....sometimes too many..LOL! These are what he shares with his mailing list daily, and I thought it would be nice to share with my LHCF family.

This thread will become a *sticky* thread for easy reference.

baddison · #12 11-14-2009, 09:05 AM

Nov. 14, 2009

Devotional:
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1 John 2:27 (KJV)
When we became Christians, we were not only cleansed by the Holy Spirit; we were also filled with the Holy Spirit. John speaks of this as our anointing. The Spirit helps us hear the truth about Jesus and keeps us from surrendering that truth to false teaching that would diminish either side of Jesus' identity -- Jesus, "God with us" or "God like us." We abide in Jesus when we hold on to both of these incredible truths.
PRAYER:
Holy and Righteous Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me. May I never surrender my sense of wonder or my deep feelings of appreciation for all that Jesus was, is, and will be. Thank you for sending me your Spirit to help me safeguard the truth about your Son and my Savior, in whose name I pray and give you thanks. Amen.

Wisdom:
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
Ecclesiastes 7:14 (KJV)

baddison · #13 11-16-2009, 06:18 AM

Nov. 16, 2009

Devotional:
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Bad stuff happens in life. Satan has a part to play in the bad stuff. Our own sins and their consequences also play a part. The rebellion against God and the spiritual weakness in those we love bring hurtful things into our life. Sometimes, God even disciplines us to awaken us out of lethargy or to correct some sinful problem in our lives. Yet in all these things, we have an incredible promise: If we love God and are seeking to honor his call in our lives, our Father in heaven will work out all of the things going on in our life for our good.

PRAYER:
Father, I appreciate your promise to work out all things in my life, both good and bad, for my good. I ask, dear Father, for faith to believe this promise is true during painful and difficult times. I ask for patience, O God, to hang on to my convictions when trying times persist. I believe your promise, dear LORD, and look forward to what you will eventually make of me when you are finished with your work. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

betteron2day · #14 11-16-2009, 12:13 PM

Thank you for these devotionals.

baddison · #15 11-17-2009, 08:18 AM

Nov. 17, 2009

Devotional:
[He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly. Proverbs 14:29 (KJV)
Responding quickly to aggravation, threat, insult, or difficulty suggests strength to many folks today. However, responding hastily out of anger is foolish. This response seldom produces the desired long term effect and nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run.

PRAYER:
Father, I ask for patience and self-control. I know these virtues are part of the fruit of your Spirit's presence in my life, so I ask that the Holy Spirit have more impact on my heart and life. Please give me the understanding and wisdom to keep my mouth shut until I have had an opportunity to pray and think about the issues and people involved. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Shimmie · #16 11-17-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddison

Nov. 17, 2009

Devotional:
[He that is] slow to wrath [is] of great understanding: but [he that is] hasty of spirit exalteth folly. Proverbs 14:29 (KJV)
Responding quickly to aggravation, threat, insult, or difficulty suggests strength to many folks today. However, responding hastily out of anger is foolish. This response seldom produces the desired long term effect and nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run.

PRAYER:
Father, I ask for patience and self-control. I know these virtues are part of the fruit of your Spirit's presence in my life, so I ask that the Holy Spirit have more impact on my heart and life. Please give me the understanding and wisdom to keep my mouth shut until I have had an opportunity to pray and think about the issues and people involved. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

Baddison, your daily posts are such a blessing. Thank you so much and keep them coming. I look forward to them each day.

God bless you for having such a beautiful heart to share His peace and His word. You never know who's reading and whose heart and life you may be healing.

baddison · #17 11-18-2009, 08:27 AM

Nov. 18, 2009

Devotional:
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31 (KJV)
Sometimes the most important things are not hard to understand. God wants us to love him with every fiber of our being and to also love those around us. All of his demands on character really boil down to honoring these two great principles that transcend law and bring the character of God to hearts.

PRAYER:
Almighty God and Heavenly Father, I love you. I love you for your plan to send your Messiah as a descendant of Abraham and David. I love you for your unfailing love. I love you for listening grace to hear my feeble prayers. I love you for sending Jesus and for starting your church. I love you dear God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Wisdom:
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

baddison · #18 11-19-2009, 08:42 AM

Nov. 19, 2009

Devotional:
Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous. Proverbs 3:31-32 (KJV)
God does not like bullies, oppressors, or exploiters. Those who control by intimidation and violence are detestable and an abomination to the LORD. We are not to idolize, praise, or reward those who have risen to power by exploiting others.

PRAYER:
Father and Sovereign LORD, please break the power of the oppressors who persecute and abuse your people. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13 (KJV)

betteron2day · #19 11-19-2009, 01:32 PM

After the trying week i have had, the last three have really been a blessing to me and the Spirit has sent the word to minister to me. Thanks for reminding me how God wants me to behave and not revert back to who i once was.

baddison · #20 11-20-2009, 08:00 AM

Nov. 20, 2009

Devotional:
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (KJV)
At the end of the day of summer's scorching heat, where did you find your shadow of protection and refreshment? When we place our lives in the care of God Most High, we find that his shadow of protection and refreshment covers us. Even in times of difficulty, we know that he has protected us from the worst of Satan's withering attack and that his presence offers us strength that we may not often see but always can trust.

PRAYER:
Give me eyes to see, O LORD, and a heart to believe that you are there when I cannot see any evidence of your presence. Please be my protection in times of attack and my refreshment in times that bring soul-withering despair. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Wisdom:
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:1-2 (KJV)