Daily Bread

Inside Out · Bored

Daily Bread

lc335 · Bored

Very wise suggestions IO.

Inside Out · Bored

T-Ball Faith
January 2, 2013 by Randy Kilgore

Whoever dreamed up T-ball is a genius: Every kid on the field gets a taste of the fun and joy of the game before they taste the disappointment of striking out.

In T-ball, a baseball is placed on a rubber tee about waist-high to the 5- and 6-year-old batters. Players swing until they hit the ball and then run. On my first night as a coach, the very first batter hit the ball far into the outfield. Suddenly every player from every position ran to get the ball instead of staying where they were supposed to. When one of them reached it, there was nobody left in the infield for him to throw it to! All the players were standing togethercheering with unrestrained exuberance!

Those who have recently come to know Jesus as Savior have an unrestrained joy that is a delight to be around as well. We rejoice with them, and so do the angels in heaven! (Luke 15:7). New Christians are in love with God and excited about knowing Him and learning from His Word.

Those whove been Christians for a long time may get discouraged with the struggles of the Christian life and forget the joy of new-found faith. So take the opportunity to rejoice with those whove come to faith. God can use them to inspire you to renew your own commitment to Jesus.

Rejoice, O soul, your debt is paid,
For all your sins on Christ were laid;
Weve been redeemed, were justified
And all because the Savior died. D. DeHaan

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Psalm 51:12

lc335 · Bored

One of my favorite scriptures is Psalms 23:4

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me".

Many times I have whispered this one when things got tough. Well that scripture, and when I was greatly outnumbered; as usual, I would think to myself....."Okay Lord, looks like it's just you, and me again."

Inside Out · Bored

lc335 wrote:
One of my favorite scriptures is Psalms 23:4
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me".
Many times I have whispered this one when things got tough. Well that scripture, and when I was greatly outnumbered; as usual, I would think to myself....."Okay Lord, looks like it's just you, and me again."

yeah that is one of my favorite Psalms .... I know the whole chapter by heart ... good one

Inside Out · Bored

Getting Along
January 3, 2013 by Joe Stowell

love being with people . . . most of the time. There is a special joy that resonates in our hearts when we are with people we enjoy. But unfortunately we are not always with those we like to be around. Sometimes people can be prickly, which may be why someone has said, The more I get to know people, the more I love my dog! When we dont find joy in a relationship, we tend to blame the other person; then we excuse ourselves as we exit to be with people we like.

The apostle Paul asks us to lovingly engage with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, he calls all of us to be of one accord, to look out for the interests of others, and to let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:2-5). Think about it. Jesus gave up His own prerogatives and privileges for us; He chose to live as a servant and paid the ultimate sacrifice that He might bring us into a joy-filled relationship with Him (see Heb. 12:2). And He did all that in spite of our prickliness (see Rom. 5:8).

So next time you are with someone who is not easy to get along with, ask Jesus to help you find a way to extend His love. In time, you might be surprised by how God can change your attitude about people.

Lord, thank You that while I was still offensive to You,
You saved me with Your sacrificial love. Give me the
same courage and grace to extend to others the love
that You have so graciously extended to me.

The key to getting along with others
is having the mind of Christ.

lc335 · Bored

I really enjoy these post, there is so much wisdom here.

lc335 · Bored

I'm afraid you would find me to be a poor partner...........you need a Salomon type...... wise, and obediant.....I'm more of a "Warrior David" type......I'm better in a fight than in study, and prayer........I seem to do my best praying while I "Run N Gun" in a firefight. ................ie; "That's one down Lord, and we've the other's right where we want them if we can flank 'em"...... hmm

But thank you for the offer. I respect you, and your works greatly.

I have three brothers that are ministers............I could probably get you contected with one them to fast, and pray with.

-- Edited by lc335 on Friday 4th of January 2013 08:09:41 PM

Inside Out · Bored

Help Yourself

January 4, 2013 by Bill Crowder

I saw a television ad for a restaurant chain that made a dramatic claim. At those restaurants, the ad said you could Help Yourself to Happiness. Wouldnt it be nice if a helping of potatoes or meat or pasta or dessert would be all that was needed to provide happiness? Unfortunately, no restaurant can fulfill that promise.

Happiness is an elusive thingas we can see in almost every area of life. Our pursuit of happiness may involve food or a host of other things, but, in the end, happiness continues to escape our grasp.

Why? In large measure its because the things we tend to pursue do not touch the deepest needs of our hearts. Our pursuits may provide moments of enjoyment, distraction, or pleasure, but the cry of our hearts goes unheardthe cry for help and hope. That is why the psalmist points us to a better way when he says, Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God (Ps. 146:5).

Help yourself? Yesif we are seeking the happiness found in the Lord. It is only when we entrust ourselves to God and His care that we can find the happiness we seek. Our hope and help are found only in trusting Him.

Father, draw me to Yourself. Remind me that only
in You will I know the real joy and satisfaction that
my heart longs for. Help me to look beyond the
surface things of life to what really matters.

The one who puts God first will have happiness that lasts.

Inside Out · Bored

lc335 wrote:
I really enjoy these post, there is so much wisdom here.

Thanks LC .... I do enjoy them too .... just part of my Daily Prayer Life .... Trying to make it even better this year ....

Inside Out · Bored

To set our course for the New Year, I will be participating in a week of Prayer & Fasting ... "Week of Prayer" ... Jan 6-12

Setting a specific time aside to engage in Prayer & Fasting helps us to become laser focused to hear what God is saying to us as individuals, to us as families and to us as a corporate body. I am believing God to renew & refresh Vision, Strategy, Spiritual Growth, invigorate me towards relationships that point people to Christ in a grace-filled way.

Will you join me?

I need you to partner with me right at the beginning of this year in seeing that I become all God wants me to become. I am excited about the New Year ... looking forward to testimonies of God's continued faithfulness, miracles, healings, provision in super-natural ways!

Our GOD is ABLE!

If you haven't been in church for a while ... now is a great time to start back! Get your NEW YEAR started off right ... in HIS presence.

Inside Out · Bored

Time Out

January 5, 2013 by David C. McCasland

El Bulli restaurant, 2 hours north of Barcelona, is so popular that customers must reserve a table 6 months in advance. But noted Spanish chef Ferran Adrià decided to close the doors of his award-winning restaurant for 2 years so he and his staff could have time to think, plan, and innovate. Adrià told Hemispheres Magazine, If we are winning all the prizes, why change? Working 15 hours a day leaves us very little time to create. In the midst of great success, they took time out for what is most important to them.

The first-century church in Antioch experienced a time of exciting growth when a great number believed and turned to the Lord (Acts 11:21). As a result, Barnabas and Saul came to teach the new believers (vv.25-26). But along with the hard work, they took time to seek the Lord through prayer and fasting (13:2-3). Through this, God revealed His plan for taking the gospel into Asia.

Few people can take 2 years off to think and plan. But all of us can build time into our schedule to seek the Lord earnestly through prayer. As we open our hearts and minds to God, He will be faithful to reveal the steps of life and service that honor Him.

There is a blessed calm at eventide
That calls me from a world of toil and care;
How restful, then, to seek some quiet nook
Where I can spend a little time in prayer. Bullock

Prayer is as important as breathing.

lc335 · Bored

Another good post IO.

Ya know, I was re-reading the one about food, and happiness.....you make a good point; that no resturant can truly promise happiness;......but I gotta admit, a good old plate of taters, pork chops, and soup beans can fool me sometimes and make think they are making me happy. I guess I'm easily fooled. hmm ashamed

Krash · Interesting

Inside Out · Bored

What Is That To You?

January 6, 2013 by Julie Ackerman Link

When you attend a childrens choir concert, youre not surprised when the children look everywhere but at the director. They wiggle, squirm, and poke each other. They stand on tiptoes to search for parents in the audience. They raise their hands to wave when they see them. Oh, yes, and they occasionally sing. We smile at their antics. The behavior is cute in children. Its not so cute when adult choir members dont watch the conductor. Good music depends on singers who pay attention to the director so they can stay together as they sing.

Christians sometimes are like singers in a childrens choir. Instead of looking at Jesus, the great Conductor of the symphony of life, we are busy squirming or looking at each other or watching the audience.

Jesus admonished Peter for such behavior. After He told him what would be required of him, Peter pointed to John and asked, What about him? Jesus answered with a question: What is that to you? You follow Me (John 21:22).

Sometimes we are distracted by what others are doing. We think Gods plan for their life is better than His plan for ours. But Gods plan for each of us is the same: Follow Jesus. When we watch Him intently, well not be distracted by Gods plan for anyone else.

My times are in my Fathers hand;
How could I wish or ask for more?
For He who has my pathway planned,
Will guide me till my journeys oer. Fraser

Every child of God has a special place in His plan.

Inside Out · Bored

lc335 wrote:
Another good post IO.
Ya know, I was re-reading the one about food, and happiness.....you make a good point; that no resturant can truly promise happiness;......but I gotta admit, a good old plate of taters, pork chops, and soup beans can fool me sometimes and make think they are making me happy. I guess I'm easily fooled.

I am glad you are enjoying them .... and food can fool us .... for me it is the sweets ....

but even though it makes me happy temporary .... I feel bad later because I ate too much ... or should have eaten something more healthy.

lc335 · Bored

Inside Out wrote:
lc335 wrote:
Another good post IO.
Ya know, I was re-reading the one about food, and happiness.....you make a good point; that no resturant can truly promise happiness;......but I gotta admit, a good old plate of taters, pork chops, and soup beans can fool me sometimes and make think they are making me happy. I guess I'm easily fooled.
I am glad you are enjoying them .... and food can fool us .... for me it is the sweets ....
but even though it makes me happy temporary .... I feel bad later because I ate too much ... or should have eaten something more healthy.

Boy do I know that feeling.

Inside Out · Bored

Fully Equipped

January 7, 2013
by Dennis Fisher

Karl Elsener, a Swiss designer of surgical equipment in the 19th century, worked for years on perfecting a military knife. Today his Swiss Army Knife is associated with excellence in blades and a variety of utilities. One model includes knife blades, a saw, scissors, a magnifying glass, a can opener, a screwdriver, a ruler, a toothpick, a writing pen, and moreall in one knife! If you are out camping in the wild, this one item can certainly make you feel equipped for survival.

We need something to equip us to survive spiritually in this sinful world. God has given us His Word, a kind of spiritual knife for the soul. Paul writes: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

The word translated equipped means to furnish or fit completely. How does the Bible equip us for lifes journey? It provides spiritual truth in doctrine; reproof in showing our imperfections; correction by revealing our sinful failures; and instruction in living a righteous life. Theres not a more valuable tool than Gods Word to make us fully equipped for spiritual survival and personal growth.

Lord, thank You for equipping us with Your
inspired Word. Youve given us the tools we
need to live for You. Help us to take time to read
it and to follow what You tell us. Amen.

The Bible contains the nutrients we need for a healthy soul.

lc335 · Bored

I truly enjoy your "Daily Bread" post. It cause's me to think of scripture that has meant something special to me at thimes in my life.

Like Micah 2:10 "Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction".

I ran across this one when I was studying the bible, trying to find answers at a time in my life when I didn't know if I should stay put, or move on. I think the answer was clear.....so I moved on.

Inside Out · Bored

Making It Right

January 9, 2013 by Jennifer Benson Schuldt

It was a perfect day for our garage salebright and warm. People rummaged through clothing, paperbacks, and mismatched dishes. I noticed a young woman looking at a string of white beads. A few minutes later, the necklace vanished along with its admirer. I spotted her in the street, jogged the length of my driveway, and discovered the missing jewelry nestled in her palm. As we faced each other with the knowledge of what had happened, she volunteered to pay for the stolen item.

Zacchaeus, the tree-climbing tax collector, met Jesus and was changed. He vowed to repay four times the amount of money he had dishonestly taken from others (Luke 19:8). In those days, tax collectors frequently overcharged citizens and then pocketed the extra funds. Zacchaeus eagerness to pay back the money and to donate half of what he owned to the poor showed a significant change of heart. He had once been a taker, but after meeting Jesus he was determined to make restoration and be a giver.

Zacchaeus example can inspire us to make the same kind of change. When God reminds us about items we have taken, taxes left unpaid, or ways we have wronged others, we can honor Him by making it right.

Help me, dear Lord, to be honest and true
In all that I say and all that I do;
Give me the courage to do what is right
To bring to the world a glimpse of Your light. Fasick

A debt is never too old for an honest person to pay.