Daily Archives: December 13, 2020

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Sunday Reflection: A Light to Your Path

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To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the Scripture referenced throughout.

Electric lamps weren’t invented until the 1800s, so traveling in the first century at night would have been precarious. To navigate in the darkness, travelers carried lanterns to illuminate the area just ahead of them, but their view was still limited. This is what the psalmist was referring to when he said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Imagine just how deep darkness is without any surrounding light from nearby buildings or the city. It’s dangerous. A rural community like the one listening to Jesus as He preached the Sermon on the Mount would have understood the sense of direction and bearing a city glowing in the distance can offer. Jesus calls His followers to be a light in the world, a shining city on a hill (Matt. 5:14). Remember, in situations of increasing darkness, light becomes more brilliant.

Think about it
• When you find yourself seeking direction in your spiritual life, do you think of God’s Word as a light unto your feet? What helps you find your bearings?

  •  What are some ways you can be a light in your family, neighborhood, or workplace?

Bible in One Year: 1 Timothy 1-3

 

 

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Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — The Christmas Gift of Speech

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Bible in a Year:

[Zechariah’s] mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God.

Luke 1:64

Today’s Scripture & Insight:Luke 1:62–75

A post-surgical stroke had robbed Tom of his ability to speak, and he faced a long rehab journey. Weeks later, we were pleasantly surprised when he showed up at our church’s Thanksgiving service. We were even more surprised when he stood up to speak. Searching for what to say, he jumbled his words, repeated himself, and confused days and time. But one thing was clear: he was praising God! It’s possible to have your heart break and be blessed at the same moment. This was that kind of moment.

In the “pre-Christmas story” we meet a man who lost the gift of speech. Gabriel the angel appeared to Zechariah the priest and told him he would be the father of a great prophet (see Luke 1:11–17). Zechariah and his wife were elderly, so he doubted it. That’s when Gabriel told him he would not speak “until the day this happens” (v. 20).

The day did happen. And at the ceremony to name the miracle baby, Zechariah spoke. With his first words he praised God (v. 64). Then he said, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them” (v. 68).

Like Zechariah, as soon as he was able, Tom’s response was to praise God. Their hearts were inclined toward the One who made their tongues and their minds. Regardless of what faces us this season, we can respond the same way.

By:  Tim Gustafson

Reflect & Pray

How do you respond when a crisis comes? What’s your reaction when you come through it?

Thank You, Father, for the gift of speech. In my times of doubt, be with me to strengthen my faith. Help me learn how to use language to draw near to and honor You.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Purity Leads to Power

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. — Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

 

In order to live in freedom, it’s important that we make up our minds to live for God no matter what. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to throw off every sin that entangles us; it’s virtually impossible to grow and succeed spiritually with known, willful sin in our lives. I don’t mean to say that we have to be absolutely perfect in order for God to use us, but I am saying that we must have an intentional, vigilant attitude about keeping sin out of our lives.

When God says something is wrong, then it is wrong. When He points sin out to us, we don’t need to discuss, theorize, blame, make excuses, or feel sorry for ourselves. We need to agree with God, thank Him for showing us where we’ve strayed off the right path, ask for forgiveness, and work with the Holy Spirit to get whatever it is out of our lives. Purity leads to power, and with God’s help, we can live abundant, powerful lives.

Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for showing me the sin in my life so that I can move away from it and live in freedom from it. Today, please help me set aside any sin that’s holding me back so I can live a pure, holy, power-filled life for You. Thank You for giving me the wisdom and grace I need to stay on the path You have for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Quick and Powerful

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“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, KJV).

Often, what you and I have to say may seem weak and insipid. But then we have the clear promise that it really will accomplish something, for it has several characteristics that guarantee such results.

First, the holy inspired Word of God is impregnated with the power of the Holy Spirit and is quick-living. It is energetic and active – not dead, inert or powerless.

Second, the Word is powerful. Its mighty power awakens the conscience, reveals our fears, bares the secret feelings of the heart and causes the sinner to tremble at the threat of impending judgement.

Third, the Word is sharp-sharper than a two-edged sword. The Word has power to penetrate. It reaches the heart, laying open our motives and feelings.

Fourth, the Word pierces-penetrates.

Fifth, the Word discerns-shows what our thoughts and intentions are. Men see their real character in the mirror of God’s Word.

Those are some of the reasons for choosing to use the Word of God in every possible situation, allowing it to be its own best defense. God’s Word will never return unto Him void.

Bible Reading: Psalm 1

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will make more use of the sword, the Word of God, as I draw upon God’s power to live supernaturally.

 

 

http://www.cru.org