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DAILY DEVOTION

8/5/2021

Worship

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading for the day: Isaiah 2:1-22

Scripture Quote: “And after his care, he uses part of the wood to make a fire to warm himself and bake his bread. Then – yes, it’s true – he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god for people to worship! He makes and idol and bows down and praises it! Then he takes what is left and makes his god: a carved idol! He say, you are my god!”” Isaiah 44:15 (NLT)

            Imagine how sad our heavenly Father must be as he watches us worship all kinds of things other than Him. God is the one who created us, who we ultimately trust and who we look to for security and happiness. We know that He is in charge of our future, yet, knowing all this, we still worship our jobs, our salaries, other people, or whatever, and think more often of them than our Almighty God. Who but a fool would make his own god who can’t possible help with real life issues?

            We should be proud of belonging to God. He deserves all honor and glory and praise. God sent His only son and sacrificed His life, so that we might have life. He has loved us with an insurmountable love. False gods can’t love us and redeem us from our sins. God is the one and only true God and He deserves all of our love and reverence.

Meditation for today: You can stand in the approval of God again - Admit to God that you have made a mistake and tell Him how much you love Him.

Memory Verse: “Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (NLT)

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DAILY DEVITUIN

8/4/2021

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Discipline
Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:5-10

Scripture Quote: “My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)

Discipline may not be popular, but it is necessary. If it is not delved out in anger, or meant to punish oppressively, discipline is useful to teach or restrain. Correction is never designed to cause harm. Parents want to help their children to become Christ followers. Discipline motivated by love produces positive change. It is tempting and truly easier to let poor behavior slide so confrontation is avoided. The Bible tells us, however, in Proverbs 13:24 “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."

Current culture deems parents abusive if they physically discipline their children. One parent can actually call Family Services on another parent if any kind of force is observed - God doesn't care about Family Services or new and compliant parenting. Just as He disciplines us, we also need to correct our children. If spanking will bring a rebellious child to submit to parental authority, then we are obliged not to spare the rod. Strict discipline does yield respect for authority and improved behavior. Our children need to learn submission so that they will also submit to their Heavenly Father.

Today’s meditation: We all need to submit to God’s authority.

Memory Verse: "Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God." Lev 19:3 (NIV)

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DAILY DEVOTION

8/3/2021

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Discipline is Necessary

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Zechariah 7:11-14

Scripture Quotes: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalms 119:67,71 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelations 3:19(All NIV)

We tend to have negative reactions to the whole concept of discipline. It seems synonymous with punishment or restriction. Punishment beams a light on our guilt and demands an unpleasant act of contrition. However, punishment, if not mean spirited, can turn a person away from a persistent sin and bring the repentant Christian closer to the obedient response our God requires. If we receive the discipline as an opportunity for growth, we can attempt a bit of Christ-like conduct as an appropriate response to our correction – And we can eventually receive through Him a mature faith that can stand in every trial.

Picture a long, high bridge. We are on one side and perfection is on the other side. It's a long journey with others traveling past, behind and beside us. Some are even walking in the opposite direction, which sometimes confuses us. We can trip, or get pushed, or injured, or need help to get to the far side. Nevertheless, we journey on. We can't see our ultimate destination, yet we are certain that it will be a perfect place without adversity. We also believe and are especially encouraged because we know that Jesus is waiting for us there. :0)

Today’s meditation: God disciplines us with love and authority.

Memory Verse: Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17 (NIV)

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DAILY DEVOTION

8/2/2021

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Discernment

Toni Smothers

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 5:11-14 (All Scripture quoted is NIV)

Scripture Quote: But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

As we deliberately study God's Word, the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Counselor, will increase our understanding. He brings certain instruction to our remembrance as we live out a godly lifestyle. Christians lean heavily on inspiration so that we can understand and follow God's precepts. As we pray and study, we develop discernment to help us avoid Satan’s snares and all the world's influences. Christ told His apostles that when He died, He would bequeath to them and to all His followers, tranquility and happiness in the form of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised us everlasting friendship with Him.

If we dig into Scripture daily, we develop the ability to apply the truth within to our lives. When difficulties arise or decisions must be made that are important or life changing, we will be fully prepared to follow God's path. Though at times our specific circumstances may not be directly addressed in the Bible, we still will have the principles and direction of all that we have learned from our study. The Holy Spirit will bring to our minds exactly what we need to make good, godly decisions - That, and the constant desire to emulate Christ, gives us all that we need to live a peaceful and blessed life.

Today’s meditation: Study and let the Holy Spirit guide your life.

Memory Verse: But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. (1 Jonn 2:20)

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