Saturday, February 29, 2020

Sat 29 February 2020- BE CONTENT

February 29

The Secret
Bible in a Year:

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.


Philippians 4:12
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Philippians 4:10–19
Sometimes I suspect my cat Heathcliff suffers from a bad case of FOMO (fear of missing out). When I come home with groceries, Heathcliff rushes over to inspect the contents. When I’m chopping vegetables, he stands up on his back paws peering at the produce and begging me to share. But when I actually give Heathcliff whatever’s caught his fancy, he quickly loses interest, walking away with an air of bored resentment.

But it’d be hypocritical for me to be hard on my little buddy. He reflects a bit of my own insatiable hunger for more, my assumption that “now” is never enough.

According to Paul, contentment isn’t natural—it’s learned (Philippians 4:11). On our own, we desperately pursue whatever we think will satisfy, moving on to the next thing the minute we realize it won’t. Other times, our discontent takes the form of anxiously shielding ourselves from any and all suspected threats.

Ironically, sometimes it takes experiencing what we’d feared the most in order to stumble into real joy. Having experienced much of the worst life has to offer, Paul could testify firsthand to “the secret” of true contentment (vv. 11–12)—the mysterious reality that as we lift up to God our longings for wholeness, we experience unexplainable peace (vv. 6–7), carried ever deeper into the depths of Christ’s power, beauty, and grace.

By:  Monica La Rose

You can make an impact today.
GIVE
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced mysterious peace when you least expected it? What desperate longings or fears might you need to lift up to God?

Father, help me to surrender my attempts to secure my own happiness in exchange for embracing the gift of each moment with You.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Friday 28th February 2020- Suffering produces Endurance

February 28

The Faith to Endure
Bible in a Year:

Numbers 20–22 Mark 7:1–13
Suffering produces endurance.


Romans 5:3 esv
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Acts 27:27–38
Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) led an unsuccessful expedition to cross Antarctica in 1914. When his ship, aptly named Endurance, became trapped in heavy ice in the Weddell Sea, it became an endurance race just to survive. With no means of communicating with the rest of the world, Shackleton and his crew used lifeboats to make the journey to the nearest shore—Elephant Island. While most of the crew stayed behind on the island, Shackleton and five crewmen spent two weeks traveling 800 miles across the ocean to South Georgia to get help for those left behind. The “failed” expedition became a victorious entry in the history books when all of Shackleton’s men survived, thanks to their courage and endurance.

The apostle Paul knew what it meant to endure. During a stormy sea voyage to Rome to face trial for his belief in Jesus, Paul learned from an angel of God that the ship would sink. But the apostle kept the men aboard encouraged, thanks to God’s promise that all would survive, despite the loss of the ship (Acts 27:23–24).

When disaster strikes, we tend to want God to immediately make everything better. But God gives us the faith to endure and grow. As Paul wrote to the Romans, “Suffering produces endurance” (Romans 5:3 esv). Knowing that, we can encourage each other to keep trusting God in hard times.

By:  Linda Washington

You can make an impact today.
GIVE
Reflect & Pray
What’s your usual response to hardship? How can you encourage someone who’s going through difficult times?

Heavenly Father, I need Your help to keep going, even when it’s tough.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Tuesday 25 February 2020

February 25

Rich Toward God
Bible in a Year:

Numbers 12–14 Mark 5:21–43
Godliness with contentment is great gain.


1 Timothy 6:6
Today's Scripture & Insight:
1 Timothy 6:6–11
Growing up during the Great Depression, my parents knew deep hardship as children. As a result, they were hard-working and grateful money stewards. But they were never greedy. They gave time, talent, and treasury to their church, charity groups, and the needy. Indeed, they handled their money wisely and gave cheerfully.

As believers in Jesus, my parents took to heart the apostle Paul’s warning: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9).

Paul gave this advice to Timothy, the young pastor of the city of Ephesus, a wealthy city where riches tempted all.

“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,” Paul warned. “Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (v. 10).

What, then, is the antidote to greed? Being “rich toward God,” said Jesus (see Luke 12:13–21). By pursuing, appreciating, and loving our heavenly Father above all, He remains our chief delight. As the psalmist wrote, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14).

Rejoicing in Him daily relieves us of coveting, leaving us contented. May Jesus redeem our heart’s desires, making us rich toward God!

By:  Patricia Raybon

You can make an impact today.
GIVE
Reflect & Pray
How have you mishandled money, or made it more than it ought to be? How might you give your financial concerns to God this day?

Satisfy us in the morning, God, with Your unfailing love—replacing our greed with holy hunger for You.

COMMENT

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Sunday 23 February 2020-

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10






INSPIRATION

God has gone to the ends of the earth to make sure that you will always know that, no matter what, He has got you covered. He will keep you at rest, He will strengthen you, and He will see you through the tough times. In everything you do, every trial that you face, and in every challenge, that comes your way, you should know that you have no reason to fret or worry. God is with you.


Let's 🙏

Dear God, I thank you that I can trust in you completely, never having to worry or fret when troubling times come my way. I thank you, Lord, that I can rely on your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.




Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Wednesday 19th February 2020-DEAR LORD OPEN MY EYES TO SEE BEYOND

February 19

The Reality of God
Bible in a Year:

Leviticus 25 Mark 1:23–45
The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he [saw] chariots of fire all around Elisha.


2 Kings 6:17
Today's Scripture & Insight:
2 Kings 6:8–17
In C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, all of Narnia is thrilled when the mighty lion Aslan reappears after a long absence. Their joy turns to sorrow, however, when Aslan concedes to a demand made by the evil White Witch. Faced with Aslan’s apparent defeat, the Narnians experience his power when he emits an earsplitting roar that causes the witch to flee in terror. Although all seems to have been lost, Aslan ultimately proves to be greater than the villainous witch.

Like Aslan’s followers in Lewis’ allegory, Elisha’s servant despaired when he got up one morning to see himself and Elisha surrounded by an enemy army. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” he exclaimed (2 Kings 6:15). The prophet’s response was calm: “Don’t be afraid . . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v. 16). Elisha then prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see” (v. 17). So, “the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v. 17). Although things at first seemed bleak to the servant’s eye, God’s power ultimately proved greater than the enemy horde.

Our difficult circumstances may lead us to believe all is lost, but God desires to open our eyes and reveal that He is greater.

By:  Remi Oyedele

You can make an impact today.
GIVE
Reflect & Pray
What difficult times are you facing? How have you experienced that God is greater than any evil you face?

Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness.

YES GOD IS GREATER THAN THE PROBLEMS YOU ARE FACING.PUT YOUR TRUST IN ONLY HIM.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Tuesday 18 th February 2020- THANK YOU LORD FOR BEING WITH ME ALWAYS

February 18

Unimaginable
Bible in a Year:

Leviticus 23–24 Mark 1:1–22
Though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.


Psalm 23:4
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 23
Bart Millard penned a megahit in 2001 when he wrote, “I Can Only Imagine.” The song pictures how amazing it will be to be in Christ’s presence. Millard’s lyrics offered comfort to our family that next year when our seventeen-year-old daughter, Melissa, died in a car accident and we imagined what it was like for her to be in God’s presence.

But imagine spoke to me in a different way in the days following Mell’s death. As fathers of Melissa’s friends approached me, full of concern and pain, they said, “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

Their expressions were helpful, showing that they were grappling with our loss in an empathetic way—finding it unimaginable.

David pinpointed the depth of great loss when he described walking through “the darkest valley” (Psalm 23:4). The death of a loved one certainly is that, and we sometimes have no idea how we’re going to navigate the darkness. We can’t imagine ever being able to come out on the other side.

But as God promised to be with us in our darkest valley now, He also provides great hope for the future by assuring us that beyond the valley we’ll be in His presence. For the believer, to be “away from the body” means being present with Him (2 Corinthians 5:8). That can help us navigate the unimaginable as we imagine our future reunion with Him and others.

By:  Dave Branon

You can make an impact today.
GIVE
Reflect & Pray
What’s the best thing you can say to friends who’ve suffered the loss of someone they loved? How can you prepare for those times?

Thank You, God, for being with us even in the darkest valley as we imagine the glories of heaven.

For hope, read Life After Loss at discoveryseries.org/cb131.

THE LORD IS WITH YOU ALWAYS. PLEASE SHARE THIS INSPIRATION.

Monday, February 17, 2020

Monday 17 February 2020- Project God Everywhere

February 17

Ever-Present Presence
Bible in a Year:

Leviticus 21–22 Matthew 28
Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.


Matthew 28:20
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Matthew 28:16–20
During the 2018 World Cup, Colombian forward Radamel Falcao scored in the seventieth minute against Poland, securing a victory. The dramatic goal was Falcao’s thirtieth in international play, earning him the distinction of scoring the most goals by a Colombian player in international competition.

Falcao has often used his success on the soccer pitch to share his faith, frequently lifting his jersey after a score to reveal a shirt with the words, Con Jesus nunca estara solo: “With Jesus you’ll never be alone.”

Falcao’s statement points us to the reassuring promise from Jesus, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Knowing He was about to return to heaven, Jesus comforted His disciples by assuring them He’d always be with them, through the presence of His Spirit (v. 20; John 14:16–18). Christ’s Spirit would comfort, guide, protect, and empower them as they took the message of Jesus to cities both near and far. And when they experienced periods of intense loneliness in unfamiliar places, Christ’s words would likely echo in their ears, a reminder of His presence with them.

No matter where we go, whether close to home or faraway, as we follow Jesus into the unknown we too can cling to this same promise. Even when we experience feelings of loneliness, as we reach out in prayer to Jesus, we can receive comfort knowing He’s with us.

By:  Lisa M. Samra

You can make an impact today.
GIVE
Reflect & Pray
How does the assurance that Jesus is always with you provide comfort? How has He comforted you when you felt alone?

Jesus, thank You that I’m never alone because You’re with me.

COMMENT:

Pls Share this Free Gift.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Sunday 16 February 2020- DISAGREE IN HUMILITY, DONT TEAR DOWN PEOPLE

February 16

Divided in Love
Bible in a Year:

Leviticus 19–20 Matthew 27:51–66
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.


Ephesians 4:2
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ephesians 4:2–6
When public debate erupted over a controversial Singapore law, it divided believers with differing views. Some called others “narrow-minded” or accused them of compromising their faith.

Controversies can cause sharp divisions among God’s family, bringing much hurt and discouraging people. I’ve been made to feel small over personal convictions on how I apply the Bible’s teachings to my life. And I’m sure I’ve been equally guilty of criticizing others I disagree with.

I wonder if the problem lies not in what or even in how we express our views, but in the attitudes of our hearts when we do so. Are we just disagreeing with views or seeking to tear down the people behind them?

Yet there are times when we need to address false teaching or explain our stand. Ephesians 4:2–6 reminds us to do so with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. And, above all else, to make every effort “to keep the unity of the Spirit” (v. 3).

Some controversies will remain unresolved. God’s Word, however, reminds us that our goal should always be to build up people’s faith, not tear them down (v. 29). Are we putting others down to win an argument? Or are we allowing God to help us understand His truths in His time and His way, remembering that we share one faith in one Lord? (vv. 4–6).

By:  Leslie Koh

Reflect & Pray
How can you explain your stand on sensitive issues humbly, gently, and lovingly? What will you pray for those who seem to disagree?

God, guide me as I speak the truth so that I do so out of love and seek only to build up, not to tear down.

RECEIVE YOUR BLESSINGS

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Sat. 15th Feb. 2020

Zoom mrs802 digital recorder


Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matt 7 : 13-14

INSPIRATION


The path to life is "narrow," and few, Jesus says, there be that find it. But there are many who find the broad way that leads to death. Jesus is the only Way to the Father. There are numerous false religions and false christs in the world, and godly discernment is needed to know which is the way of life.


Let's 🙏


O Lord, the world would tell us there are "many paths to God," but we know that Jesus is the only path to God. We have life from you that the world knows nothing of, and that life is a light that shines in the darkness. Your Word and your Son are the true light, and that light is in us. Keep us, we pray, on that narrow way. Guide us each step until we end our journey and enter our eternal rest.







Friday, February 14, 2020

Friday 14th February 2020-When Life Is Hard Depend on God

When Life Is Hard

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

Today's Scripture & Insight:
Physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, I curled up in my recliner. Our family had followed God’s leading and had moved from California to Wisconsin. After we arrived, our car broke down and left us without a vehicle for two months. Meanwhile, my husband’s limited mobility after an unexpected back surgery and my chronic pain complicated our unpacking. We uncovered costly problems with our new-to-us, old home. Our senior dog suffered with health issues. And though our new pup brought great joy, raising a furry ball of energy was far more work than anticipated. My attitude soured. How was I supposed to have unshakable faith while traveling on a bumpy road of hardships?
As I prayed, God reminded me of the psalmist whose praise didn’t depend on circumstances. David poured out his emotions, often with great vulnerability, and sought refuge in the presence of God (Psalm 16:1). Acknowledging God as provider and protector (vv. 5–6), he praised Him and followed His counsel (v. 7). David affirmed that he would “not be shaken” because he kept his eyes “always on the Lord” (v. 8). So, he rejoiced and rested secure in the joy of God’s presence (vv. 9–11).
We too can delight in knowing our peace doesn’t depend on our present situation. As we thank our unchanging God for who He is and always will be, His presence will fuel our steadfast faith.

Reflect & Pray

How can offering God praise for His unchanging character and wondrous works increase your faith during challenging circumstances? What situations do you need to place in God’s trustworthy hands?
Thanks for being You, Father!
COMMENT

Friday, February 7, 2020

Friday 7 February 2020-WHATEVER WE DO SHOULD GLORIFY THE LORD

Does What We Do Matter?

Bible in a Year:
Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Today's Scripture & Insight:
I dropped my forehead to my hand with a sigh, “I don’t know how I’m going to get it all done.” My friend’s voice crackled through the phone: “You have to give yourself some credit. You’re doing a lot.” He then listed the things I was trying to do—maintain a healthy lifestyle, work, do well in graduate school, write, and attend a Bible study. I wanted to do all these things for God, but instead I was more focused on what I was doing than how I was doing it—or that perhaps I was trying to do too much.
Paul reminded the church in Colossae that they were to live in a way that glorified God. Ultimately, what they specifically did on a day-to-day basis was not as important as how they did it. They were to do their work with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12), to be forgiving, and above all to love (vv. 13–14) and to “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17). Their work wasn’t to be separated from Christlike living.
What we do matters, but how we do it, why, and who we do it for matters more. Each day we can choose to work in a stressed-out way or in a way that honors God and seeks out the meaning Jesus adds to our work. When we pursue the latter, we find satisfaction.
By:  Julie Schwab

Reflect & Pray

In what ways do you do things out of need or obligation rather than for God’s glory? How do you think meaning is found in Christ rather than accomplishments?
Jesus, forgive me for the times I stress over what I’m trying to accomplish. Help me to instead seek to accomplish things for Your glory.
COMMENT

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Thursday 06 Feb 2020- How do you handle the pain in you?

February 6

Mercy’s Lament
Bible in a Year:

Exodus 39–40 Matthew 23:23–39
My heart is poured out on the ground . . . because children and infants faint in the streets of the city.


Lamentations 2:11
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Lamentations 2:10–13, 18–19
Her father blamed his illness on witchcraft. It was AIDS. When he died, his daughter, ten-year-old Mercy, grew even closer to her mother. But her mother was sick too, and three years later she died. From then on, Mercy’s sister raised the five siblings. That’s when Mercy began to keep a journal of her deep pain.

The prophet Jeremiah kept a record of his pain too. In the grim book of Lamentations, he wrote of atrocities done to Judah by the Babylonian army. Jeremiah’s heart was especially grieved for the youngest victims. “My heart is poured out on the ground,” he cried, “because my people are destroyed, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city” (2:11). The people of Judah had a history of ignoring God, but their children were paying the price too. “Their lives ebb away in their mothers’ arms,” wrote Jeremiah (v. 12).

We might have expected Jeremiah to reject God in the face of such suffering. Instead, he urged the survivors, “Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children” (v. 19).

It’s good, as Mercy and Jeremiah did, to pour out our hearts to God. Lament is a crucial part of being human. Even when God permits such pain, He grieves with us. Made as we are in His image, He must lament too!

By: Tim Gustafson

Reflect & Pray
How do you handle the painful situations in your life? How might it help you to write it down and share your journal with a friend?

Dear God, I’m hurting because of ____________________. You see my grief. Please show Your strength in my life today.

GOD BLESS YOU

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Wednesday 5 February 2020-The Holy Spirit Never Lies when He Teaches You

Good Day Family,

Praise God for today. Let His Will Prevail in Your life Amen.


Reading

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Acts 3: 19-20

INSPIRATION

A time of refeshing is coming from the Lord. It was prophesied long ago by God's prophets. It will come upon all the earth when the Kingdom of God appears, first for a thousand years and then on into eternity with a New Heaven and New Earth. The Jews were not wrong to expect an earthly Kingdom, for it had been promised to them, but they forgot about the spiritual nature of the Kingdom. They supposed that entrance into it could be based on being physical sons of Abraham. Instead, repentance is required to enter the Kingdom of God.



Let's Pray 🙏

Lord Jesus, we wait for the coming of your glorious Kingdom to earth, for the time when all of the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of Christ. Your rule will be perfectly righteous, and you will rule with a rod of iron and dash evil doers to pieces like a potter's vessel (Psalm 2). But even now, rule and reign in our hearts. Help us repent of our sins and turn to you in a true and living faith. Amen.


Credit: IDAILYBREAD.co

P.H ( 020420)



Tuesday 4 February 2020