Thursday, July 29, 2010

Proverbs 18:15

"Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
     Their ears are open for knowledge."
 
How open are you to new ideas? Do you actively seek them out? This proverb calls it a sign of intelligence. So it is. And it leads to success and new spiritual insights, to blessings of all kinds. What new idea have you embraced lately?

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Proverbs 18:14

"The human spirit can endure a sick body,
     but who can bear a crushed spirit?"
 
A crushed spirit means true misery. Your spirit is your core. When this is strong, you can endure physical pain and discomfort, because your strength comes from the inner person, not the outer. So guard your spirit from being crushed by others. How? Remind yourself of the truth, and let no one rob you of it. Also, take care never to crush the spirit of another person.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Psalm 75:7, 9–10

"It is God alone who judges;
     he decides who will rise and who will fall.
But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
     I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
For God says, 'I will break the strength of the wicked,
     but I will increase the power of the godly.'"
 
God is the one who decides who will rise and who will fall. He increases the power of the godly. You may claim this power today. He increases your power as you proclaim what he has done and sing praises to his name (worship). If you need more power, in general or in a particular area, look at what he's doing in your life—and proclaim it! Praise God to yourself and others—and see your power increase. God promotes those who promote him

Monday, July 26, 2010

Philippians 4:6–7

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
 
Are you worried about anything at this moment? Here's Paul's antidote and prescription for peace: pray! And how do you pray? First, tell God what you need. Tell him everything you need ("pray about everything"). Don't try to sort through what's "important enough to bother God about." If it bothers you, pray about it. Besides telling God what you need, thank him for all he's already done. Keep track! When you remind yourself of God's past faithfulness, it's easier to trust him for present needs. This leads to great peace, and this is the kind of life God wants for us

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Jeremiah 1:6–9, 15–16, 18–19

"'O Sovereign LORD,' I said, 'I can't speak for you! I'm too young!'
     "The LORD replied, 'Don't say, "I'm too young," for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!' Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, 'Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Listen! I am calling the armies of the kingdoms of the north to come to Jerusalem. I, the LORD, have spoken!
"'They will set their thrones
     at the gates of the city.
They will attack its walls
     and all the other towns of Judah.
I will pronounce judgment
     on my people for all their evil—
for deserting me and burning incense to other gods.
     Yes, they worship idols made with their own hands!
"For see, today I have made you strong
     like a fortified city that cannot be captured,
     like an iron pillar or a bronze wall.
You will stand against the whole land—
     the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.
They will fight you, but they will fail.
     For I am with you, and I will take care of you.
     I, the LORD, have spoken!'"
 
 

Jeremiah did not feel up to the task God set before him. "I can't do it. I'm too young." God would accept no excuses, for God himself is the one who equips us for what he calls us to do. What is he calling you to do? What excuses are you making as to why you "can't" do it? What fears hold you back? God promises to be with you and to take care of you as you obey and follow him. Go forth boldly in faith, for God is with you!