Good News Daily Volume XIV October 5-11, 2014 Number 40 Sunday, October 5 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. (v.12 NRSV) Have you sometimes been down in the dumps and discouraged about life? Often this dejected frame of mind is due to the fact that we are self-absorbed and focused on me, my wants, my needs. When we come to know Jesus as Lord of our life, we receive the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. With him to lead us, we don’t have to be distressed by the trials and frustrations of life! By delving into and learning God’s Word and applying it to our every circumstance, we can trust the Lord to be with us through every bump in the road. “Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. With the LORD on my side I do not fear” (Psalm 118:5-6a). Hosea 13:4-14; Psalm118; Matthew 14:1-2 Monday, October 6 Luke 6:39-49 “The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of the evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.” (v.45) Have you been around those who appear dejected and are full of complaints? Focused on their trials and tribulations, their lips utter hostile words and complaints. It’s difficult to keep from reacting negatively to someone who spews such negativity! Sometimes the Lord has me gently confront them about their attitude. Most often, He has me pray silently for them, while listening and encouraging them with positive words and gentle reminders of God’s love and mercy. I ask if I may pray with them right then and there. Often they are surprised, but usually agree for me to pray with them. Sometimes tears fall as I am praying. Then I know that the Spirit is bringing healing and encouragement to their hurting hearts. Hosea 14:1-9; Psalm 106:1-18; Acts 22:30—23:11; Tuesday, October 7 Psalm 121 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (v.2) My husband’s continuing health issues have rocked our family, causing fear and trepidation to try to usurp our peace. During these times, when the enemy tries to dislodge my faith and serenity, I find that focusing on God’s Word and promises can return me to His perfect peace. Psalm 121 has been a mainstay for me, and the Lord has used it to give me unrelenting faith and security. In Him will I trust! Nothing will deter me nor alter my trust in Him. My dependence on Him is unwavering, and He fills me with strength and courage for the future. “The LORD will keep you from harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (vv.7-8). Micah 1:1-9; Psalms 120, 122, 123; Acts 23:12-24; Luke 7:1-17 Wednesday, October 8 Psalm 119:145-176 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. (v.169) Many days during my husband’s illness things do not go well; his confidence wavers, and I am depended upon to be the one who encourages and assures him that all will be well. It is during these times that I can become despairing, feeling burdened and alone. How often during such trials and tribulations do we cry out to the Lord? I know in my case, it is daily and often! My cries to Him accompany a search through His Word for truth to strengthen my faith and resolve. As I seek His face in prayer for strength, consolation, and wisdom, His word empowers me! I find security, peace, and, finally, understanding. When walking through a valley of suffering and uncertainty, our trust in Jesus sustains us! His Word contains the promises that give us true strength in him. He will never fail us! Micah 2:1-13; Acts 23:23-35; Luke 7:18-35 Thursday, October 9 Luke 7:36-50 She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. (v.38) The sinful woman who bathed Jesus feet with her tears was the epitome of humility and love. She recognized her own sinfulness and was deeply repentant. How often do we recognize and truly repent of our sinfulness? Probably infrequently, as we go through life “doing our own thing,” tending to our own needs and desires. This biblical encounter should bring us to our knees in repentance! It is so easy to overlook our own sinful ways and to judge others harshly for theirs. Do we recognize our own wretchedness and repent with all our heart, soul, and strength? If not, we need to survey our lives and go to the Lord in deep humility. Micah 3:1-8; Psalms 131, 132, 133; Acts 24:1-23 Friday, October 10 Psalm 142 When my spirit is faint, you know my way. (v.3) When I feel overwhelmed and desperate during my husband’s illness, I turn to the Lord for strength and deliverance from the enemies of my soul. I often wonder if the Lord uses these times to get our attention and to draw us back to Himself? It is sad if we have to be in turmoil and reach a place of desperation first in order to seek the Lord! The Lord desires that we be in constant communication with Him at all times! Why do we stray away from Him when things are going well? Is it because we have the mistaken idea that we are in control of our lives? Let us beware of our false security, resting in our own talents and strengths! We must know that we have to depend on the Lord in all times of our lives, pleasant or difficult. “Bring me out of prison, so that I may give thanks to your name” (Psalm 142:7). Micah 3:9—4:5; Psalm 140; Acts 24:24—25:12; Luke 8:1-15 Saturday, October 10 Luke 8:16-25 “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.” (v.16) We are called to be the light of Christ in the world, so we should endeavor to let our light shine among others! Does the light of God’s Truth in His Holy Word saturate us and illuminate us? Then we will be a “light” to lighten the darkness of folks we meet on the way. How many times a day do you encounter someone who is cranky or in despair? Don’t pass them by! Seek to engage them in conversation. The hope that you can offer them in the saving grace of Jesus Christ may be the only time they hear the Gospel! Sometimes we forget about the Great Commission and that God desires that we seek the lost and bring them into a knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Come, Lord, and enlighten and empower us to be bold enough to be your witnesses in the world! Micah 5:1-4, 10-15; Psalms 137, 144; Acts 25:13-27 by Carolyn Petersen Used with permission from the BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP PO Box 380, Winter Park, FL 32790 biblereading.org
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 23:28:58 +0000
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