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"Daily Connection" and "Read the Bible in a year"
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Daily Connection
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Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. -Romans 8:14
Steve had just arrived home from college for the summer. While lying in bed one morning, Steve received a strong impression that the Lord wanted him to share the gospel with his unsaved mother. Steve tried to ignore the impulse and turned over to get more sleep. The feeling persisted until Steve responded and went to find his mother. That morning at the kitchen table, Steve’s mother listened to a simple gospel presentation. With tears in her eyes, she accepted Christ as her savior. (Steve Klipowicz)
Is the Spirit of Christ tapping you on the shoulder? Don’t put off the leading of the Lord. Obey God’s promptings and watch. Miracles can happen if you don’t turn a cold shoulder to Jesus!
Point of Connection: There is but one way in which God should be loved, and that is to take no step except with Him and for Him, and to follow, with a generous self-abandonment, everything which He requires. (Francois Fenelon)
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Deuteronomy 5-7
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Deuteronomy 5
God's Ten Great Laws
1Then Moses called all Israel, and said to them, " Listen, O Israel, to the Laws which I speak in your hearing today. Learn them and be careful to live by them. 2The Lord our God made an agreement with us at Mount Sinai. 3The Lord did not make this agreement with our fathers, but with us, all those of us alive here today. 4The Lord spoke to you face to face at the mountain from the center of the fire. 5I was standing between the Lord and you then, to tell you the Word of the Lord. For you were afraid because of the fire and did not go up the mountain. He said:
6' I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house where you were servants.
8' Do not make a false god for yourselves, or anything that is like what is in heaven above or on the earth below or in the water under the earth. 9Do not bow down to them or serve them. I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. I punish the children, the grandchildren and the gr...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. -2 Thessalonians 1:4
Green Bay Packers star quarterback, Brett Favre struggled with the decision to retire from football. He decided to give it another season. On September 30, 2007, Favre threw his 421st touch down pass breaking Dan Marino’s long standing career record. Two weeks later, Favre broke another, less enviable record when he threw his 278th interception of his career. Obviously, the veteran had to put up with a lot of failures to score big! (Ted DeHaas)
Have you been throwing a lot of interceptions lately? Don’t let your failures keep you from trying. Perseverance is the key to success, so keep on passing. You’re never a cheese head if you don’t give up!
Point of Connection: One person with conviction is worth more than one hundred with only an interest. (Zig Ziglar)
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Deuteronomy 8-10
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Deuteronomy 8
The Promised Land To Be Taken
1" Be careful to do all that I am telling you today. Then you will live and have many children, and go in to own the land the Lord promised to give to your fathers.
2You will remember all the way the Lord your God led you in the desert these forty years, so you would not have pride, and how He tested you to know what was in your heart to see if you would obey His Laws or not.
3He let you be hungry which helped you to not have pride. Then He fed you with bread from heaven which you and your fathers had not known. He did this to make you understand that man does not live by bread alone. But man lives by everything that comes out of the mouth of the Lord.
4Your clothes did not wear out, and your feet did not get sore during these forty years.
5So know in your heart that the Lord your God was punishing you just as a man punishes his son.
6Keep the Laws of the Lord your God. Walk in His ways, and fear Him.
...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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The Lord God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." -Genesis 2:18
A young reporter interviewed a symphony conductor from Eastern Europe where the maestro had spent years in isolation as a political prisoner. "While you were held in solitary confinement what music did you want most to hear?" asked the journalist. "In all the world," the maestro said, with tears in his eyes, "the most beautiful music is the sound of another voice." (www.voicings.com)
How are you sharing your song? Nursing homes, hospitals, jails or even a small apartment can be an isolated prison. Reach out to someone who is all alone. God never meant for you to sing solo.
Point of Connection: Shared joy is double joy and shared sorrow is half-sorrow. (Swedish Proverb)
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Deuteronomy 11-13
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Deuteronomy 11
Love And Obey The Lord
1" Love the Lord your God. Always do what He tells you and keep all His Laws.
2I am not speaking to your children. They have not seen how the Lord worked and how great He is.
3They have not seen the special things you have seen, what He did in Egypt to Pharaoh the king of Egypt and to all his land.
4They have not seen what He did to Egypt' s army, the horses and war-wagons. He made the water of the Red Sea flow over them while they were coming after you. He destroyed every one of them.
5They have not seen what He did to you in the desert until you came to this place.
6They do not know what He did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, son of Reuben. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, those of their house, their tents, and every living thing that followed them among Israel.
7But your own eyes have seen all the great work the Lord has done.
8" So keep every Law which I am telling you tod...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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For we walk by faith, and not by sight.-2 Corinthians 5:7
The Department of Transportation has designed an Automated Highway System that utilizes powerful magnets embedded in the highway that guide autos through a process of "super cruise control." Every function of driving would be determined by computer. Although the technology is at hand, the main problem rests in the driver. Test drivers had difficulty giving up control of the car. One engineer admitted: "The only thing we can’t do yet is get people to comfortably trust the system. It’s not a technology issue." (Brad Zockall)
Are you having problem turning things over to the Lord? God wants to guide your life but you need to trust Him. He sees the road ahead a lot better than you and will keep you on track. So move over and rely on His cruise control!
Point of Connection: If the Lord is your co-pilot, change seats. (Church sign)
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Deuteronomy 14-16
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Deuteronomy 14
Good And Bad Foods
1" You are the sons of the Lord your God. Do not cut yourselves or cut the hair from your foreheads because of the dead.
2For you are a holy nation to the Lord your God. The Lord has chosen you to be His own nation out of all the nations on the earth.
3" Do not eat any hated thing.
4These are the animals you may eat: the bull, the sheep, the goat,
5the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep.
6And you may eat any animal that has a parted foot divided in two and that chews its food again.
7But you must not eat of those that chew their food again or have a divided foot: the camel, the rabbit and the rock badger. For though they eat their food again, they do not have a divided foot. They are unclean to you.
8And do not eat the pig, because it has a divided foot but does not chew its food again. It is unclean for you. Do not eat any of their flesh or tou...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. -Proverbs 13:20
When is comes to weight control, those you hang out with may be almost as important as what you eat! A contributing factor to obesity may be a person’s circle of friends. Statistical research indicates personal desire for more discipline and a smaller waistline is soon matched by a companion’s greater desire for food. In fact, the study found that the threat of obesity increases 57 percent if a person’s friends are overweight. (Brian Lowery)
Are you struggling to maintain a godly life style? Maybe you need to consider the company you keep. Hanging with the wrong crowd makes living for God a real challenge. If you dine with fools, there’s a fat chance that you’ll walk farther from the Lord!
Point of Connection: We do not want a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world." (G. K. Chesterton)
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Deuteronomy 17-20
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Deuteronomy 17
2" You may find among you, within any of your towns the Lord your God gives you, a man or a woman who does what is sinful in the eyes of the Lord your God by sinning against the Lord' s agreement.
3If he has served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun, or the moon or the stars, which I have told him not to worship,
4and if someone told you about this, then you should do your best to find out if it is true. If it is true that this hated thing has been done in Israel,
5then bring that man or woman who has done this sinful act to your gates, and kill the man or woman with stones.
6If two or three people tell what they know against this person, he who is to die must be put to death. But he should not be put to death if only one person speaks against him.
7Those who speak against him should be first to put him to death. And then all the people should join them. You must get rid of all sin from among you.
8" There may be a pro...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.-James 5:16
According to a 2005 survey, 42% of practicing Catholics said they never go to confession, while only 2 percent said they go regularly. In response, churches had a special Lenten campaign called "The Light Is On for You" to draw parishioners back to the confessional. Church leaders created warm, inviting atmospheres while keeping confessional booths open beyond the regularly allotted times. Father Adam Park, whose church participated in the campaign, said, "I think folks rediscovered that getting rid of that weight in a confidential setting can be a freeing experience." (Tim Padgett)
Are you carrying a weight of sin and guilt? Maybe you need someone else to share that burden. Confession and prayer is a powerful way to experience the forgiveness of Christ through others. Share your failings with a trusted Christian leader or friend. Life will be a lot "lighter" if you do!
Poi...[more details]
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Deuteronomy 21-23
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Deuteronomy 21
About Killing Someone
1" If a person has been killed and is found lying in a field in the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own and it is not known who killed him,
2then your leaders and judges will go out and see how far it is to the cities that are around the dead man.
3The leaders of the city that is nearest to the dead man will take a young cow from the cattle. The cow must never have been worked or pulled a plow.
4The leaders of that city will bring the young cow down to a valley with flowing water, which has not been plowed or planted. They will break the cow' s neck there in the valley.
5Then the religious leaders, the sons of Levi, will come near for the Lord your God has chosen them to serve Him and to bring good in the name of the Lord. Every question about what is right and every fight will be decided upon by them.
6All the leaders of that city nearest to the dead man will wash their hands over the young cow whos...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.-Proverbs 29:11
During pioneer times, axes were often hand-made by settlers. Frontiersman honed down their own wooden handles to fit into a purchased axe-head. Often, the fit was poor between the handle and the axe-head. As a result, it was common for the axe-head to fly off while in use, sometimes injuring nearby people. People learned to be on their guard when someone else was chopping wood nearby. In the years to come, "flying off the handle" became a phrase associated with an unexpected and sudden unpredictable burst of uncontrolled anger. (www.phrases.org)
Are you prone to "flying off the handle?" Watch out that your anger isn’t hurting others. Heated words and behavior can be abusive to those around you and cause them to be on their guard. Ask the Lord to help you manage your anger before you are tempted to chop anyone down to size!
Point of Connection: If you are patient in one moment of a...[more details]
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Deuteronomy 24-27
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Deuteronomy 24
1" When a man takes a wife and marries her, and he does not like her because he finds something bad in her, he will write her a paper of divorce and give it to her and send her away from his house.
2When she leaves his house, she may go and become another man' s wife.
3If the second husband turns against her and gives her a paper of divorce and sends her out of his house, or if the second husband dies who took her for his wife,
4then her first husband who sent her away is not allowed to take her for his wife again, because she has become unclean. It is a hated thing to the Lord and you must not bring sin on the land the Lord your God is giving you.
5" When a man takes a new wife, he must not go with the army or be given any other work. He should be free to be at home one year to make the wife he has taken happy.
6" No one should take a man' s stones that he uses to crush grain as a promise to pay what he owes, for he would be taking awa...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.-Leviticus 19:32
An old man went to live with his son’s family. Because of the man’s shaky hands, he would often make a mess and drop dishes while dining. His frustrated son placed the aging father at a separate table with unbreakable wooden tableware to curtail the mess. The father noticed his young son playing with some wood scraps, and he asked him what he was doing. The son answered "I am making a wooden bowl for you and mommy to eat from when I grow up and you get old." (Turning Point)
Do you have to care for aging people? Make sure you treat them with compassion. In a "youth-oriented" society, it is too easy to be impatient and disrespectful for those who are very old and infirmed. Keep in mind the saying, "As you are, they once were. As they are you will one day be!" Be kind to the elderly!
Point of Connection: Age should not have its face lifted, but it should rather teac...[more details]
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Deuteronomy 28-29
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Deuteronomy 28
1" Be faithful in obeying the Lord your God. Be careful to keep all His Laws which I tell you today. And the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.
2All these good things will come upon you if you will obey the Lord your God.
3Good will come to you in the city, and good will come to you in the country.
4Good will come to your children, and the fruit of your ground, and the young of your animals. Your cattle and flock will have many young ones.
5Good will come to your basket and your bread pan.
6Good will come to you when you come in, and when you go out.
7" The Lord will cause you to win the battles against those who fight against you. They will come against you one way, and run away from you seven ways.
8The Lord will send good upon you in your store-houses and in all your work. He will bring good to you in the land the Lord your God gives you.
9The Lord will make you a holy nation to H...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.-Luke 12:2-3
Cultural observer and columnist Thomas Friedman points out everyone can be a potential paparazzo. Due to ever present cell phone and video cameras, any of your actions can be recorded and put on the Internet. Imagine your rude or embarrassing behavior could be posted on MySpace for the world to see! "We’re all public figures now," concludes Friedman. "We do not live in glass houses (houses have walls),"affirms Dov Seidman. "We live on glass microscope slides…visible and exposed to all," (Lee Dean)
Would you like your private life on public display? Don’t be fooled, all your actions are seen by God. He knows the most intimate details of your heart and one day you’ll have to face up to them. Make sure you live a godly life t...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Command those who are rich...to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.-1 Timothy 6:18
Sociologist and evangelist Tony Campolo preached a sermon to a wealthy congregation and asked this question, "Is it a sin to own a BMW?" Then he added, "If Jesus had forty thousand dollars, would He buy a BMW or use that to feed or house the needy in the Third World?" One woman that morning was so struck by Campolo’s talk that she wrote his ministry a check for the same amount that she paid for her new custom drapes. Her gift built three houses for poor families in Haiti. (Daily Devotions)
Are you a good steward with your riches? Although you may not feel rich, you have much more than most people in the world. Use your wealth to help others. Would you rather have a Beemer or be a blessing?
Point of Connection: I believe it to be a grave mistake to present Christianity as something charming and popular with no offense in it. (Dorothy Sayers)
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Deuteronomy 32-34
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Deuteronomy 32
The Song Of Moses
1" Listen, O heavens, and let me speak. Let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
2Let my teaching fall as the rain, and my voice like the water on the grass in the early morning, like rain upon the new grass, and rain upon the plant.
3For I will make known the name of the Lord. I will tell of the greatness of God!
4The Rock! His work is perfect. All His ways are right and fair. A God Who is faithful and without sin, right and good is He.
5They have acted in sin toward Him, but they are not His children, because the mark of sin is on them. They are a bad and sinful people.
6Is this how you pay the Lord, you foolish people who are not wise? Is He not your Father Who has bought you? He has made you and given you your place.
7Remember the days long ago. Think of the years of all people. Ask your father and he will show you. Ask your leaders. They will tell you.
8When the Most High divided up the world among...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!-1 Corinthians 10:12
During the Battle of the Wilderness in the Civil War, Union general John Sedgwick was inspecting his troops. At one point he came to a parapet, over which he peered out in the direction of the enemy. His officers suggested that this was unwise due to enemy sharpshooters and perhaps he ought to duck while passing the parapet. "Nonsense," snapped the general. "They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance!" A moment later Sedgwick fell to the ground, fatally wounded by a single sniper’s bullet. (Today in the Word)
Are you underestimating the aim of the enemy? Don’t let your pride expose you to hostile fire. Putting yourself in a compromised position is the fastest way to get hit by sin. Hit your knees before Satan can get his sights on you!
Point of Connection: God pickles the pride and preserves the foolish. (Unknown)
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Joshua 1-4
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Joshua 1
God Tells Joshua Go And Take The Land
1After the death of the Lord' s servant Moses, the Lord said to Moses' helper, Joshua the son of Nun,
2" My servant Moses is dead. So you and all these people get up and cross the Jordan River to the land I am giving to the people of Israel.
3I have given you every place where the bottom of your foot steps, as I promised Moses.
4Your land will be from the desert and from Lebanon as far as the big Euphrates River. It will be all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea on the west.
5No man will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. I will be with you just as I have been with Moses. I will be faithful to you and will not leave you alone.
6Be strong and have strength of heart. For you will bring the people in to take this land which I promised to their fathers to give them.
7Only be strong and have much strength of heart. Be careful to obey all the Law which My servant Moses told y...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.-Psalm 63:1
Florida’s Lake Okeechobee is the nation’s second largest lake, but the recent drought revealed dry lakebed that has not been exposed for 500 hundred years. Now pottery shards, arrowheads, weaving tools and pendants lay on top of the dry ground, providing clues about the Native Americans who lived in the area hundreds of years ago. All these items have rested just beneath the surface of the water for many years. It took a drought to bring them out into the light of day again. (Hugh Poland)
Are you going through a dry time? Perhaps God is taking you through a drought to reveal things in your life that need attention. Take time to review your life and confess any hidden sins. Soon you’ll be enjoying some fresh showers of blessing.
Point of Connection: You must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completeness of...[more details]
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Joshua 5-8
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Joshua 5
The Religious Act At Gilgal
1All the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings by the sea heard how the Lord had dried up the water of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed. And their hearts became weak. There was no spirit in them any more because of the people of Israel.
2Then the Lord said to Joshua, " Make knives for yourselves out of hard stone. And cut the piece of skin from the sex part of the sons of Israel as before."
3So Joshua made knives of hard stone. Then he had the sons of Israel go through this religious act at Gibeath-haaraloth.
4This is the reason why Joshua had them go through this religious act. All the males who had come out of Egypt, all the soldiers, had died in the desert on the way from Egypt.
5All the people who came out went through this religious act. But all the people who were born in the desert on the way from Egypt had not gone through this religious act.
6For the people...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.-Psalm 37:11
In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia, killing hundreds of passengers. The cause of the tragic event was not equipment failure or perilous conditions, but human arrogance. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but neither proud captain wanted to give way to the other. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late to avoid the collision. (Closer Walk)
Are you on a collision path with someone? Don’t let your pride get the better of both of you. Do whatever you can in a spirit of meekness to avoid conflict. In the end, the meek will inherit the earth and maybe rule the seas!
Point of Connection: The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree but hold hands. (Unknown)
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Joshua 9-11
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Joshua 9
The Gibeonites Lie To Joshua
1The kings west of the Jordan, in the hill country and the valleys and beside the Great Sea toward Lebanon all heard what had happened. These kings were of the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
2They gathered together as one to fight against Joshua and Israel.
3The people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai.
4So they went out to fool him, as men from another land. They took old bags on their donkeys, and skin bags of wine that were old and torn and mended.
5They wore old and mended shoes on their feet, and old clothes on themselves. All their bread was dry and broken.
6They went to Joshua among the tents at Gilgal. And they said to him and the men of Israel, " We have come from a far country. Now make an agreement with us."
7The men of Israel said to the Hivites, " It may be that you are living within our land. How then can we make an...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.-Psalm 123:2
Red Barber was perhaps one of the greatest baseball broadcasters of all time. His attention to detail and insightful comments constantly stood him above the rest. His secret was that he was always ready. Every game - no matter what time of year or what the significance - was taken seriously and with great preparation. Barber said, "You have to be as fully prepared for the dull game as you are for the great one, or else you won’t be prepared for the great one." (Thinkexist.com)
Do you want to be used more by God? You can be a part of the Kingdom action if you stay alert to the Holy Spirit. God is ready and waiting to use you. Keep your eye on the Coach and get in the game!
Point of Connection: Only a few people are awake. And they live in a state of constant, total amazement. (Joe and the V...[more details]
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Joshua 12-15
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Joshua 12
The Kings Taken By Moses
1These are the kings of the land whom the sons of Israel won the war against east of the Jordan. They took their land from the Arnon valley to Mount Hermon, and all the Arabah to the east.
2There was Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon. He ruled from Aroer on the side of the Arnon valley, and from the center of the valley and half of Gilead as far as the river Jabbok, beside the Ammonites.
3And he ruled the Arabah as far as the Sea of Chinneroth in the east, and as far as the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, east toward Beth-jeshimoth and south to the bottom of the hills of Pisgah.
4And they took the land of Og, king of Bashan, one of the Rephaim who were still living. Og lived at Ashtaroth and Edrei.
5He ruled over Mount Hermon and Salecah and all Bashan. He ruled as far as the land of the Geshurites, the Maacathites, and half of Gilead, as far as the land of Sihon, king of Heshbon.
6The Lord' s servan...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.-Ephesians 4:26-27
Psychologist Kenneth Hart did research on recovering alcoholics. Working with a group of 66 drinkers, Hart found they were all angry with someone. By teaching them how to forgive, Hart was able to help break the cycle that causes recovering alcoholics to relapse. If they release their anger through forgiveness, they no longer have a reason to use alcohol as an escape. One of the former addicts said, "Forgiveness is more for yourself than for the person you’re forgiving. For me to forgive that person sets me free." (Turning Point)
Are you captive to a sinful habit? Perhaps you are caught in the chains of unresolved anger. Deep-seated animosity towards others can lock you up. Ask the Lord for the grace to forgive. It’s the key to be set free!
Point of Connection: Resentment is the deliberate decision to nurse the offense until it becomes a black, furry, growling grudge...[more details]
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Joshua 16-18
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Joshua 16
The Land Given To Ephraim And West Manasseh
1The share of land for the people of Joseph went from the Jordan at Jericho, east of the waters of Jericho, into the desert. It went from Jericho through the hill country to Bethel.
2It went from Bethel to Luz, and on to the land of the Archites at Ataroth.
3Then it went west to the land of the Japhletites, as far as the land of lower Beth-horon, and to Gezer. It ended at the sea.
4The people of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim received their land.
The Land Of Ephraim
5The land of the people of Ephraim by their families on the east side was Ataroth-addar, as far as upper Bethhoron.
6Then the side of the land went toward the sea, with Michmethath on the north, and turned east to Taanath-shiloh, and on to the east side of Janoah.
7From Janoah it went down to Ataroth, to Naarah, touched Jericho, and ended at the Jordan.
8From Tappuah it went west to the river of Kanah and ended at the se...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.-Galatians 5:22-23
Tracy was going through a personal crisis that left her weary and on edge. Her eight-year-old daughter, Brenna tried to cheer her mom up by scribbling a child-like message in crayon on their picture window. At first, it seemed like just a mess to clean up. Then Tracy saw what Brenna had written: love, joy, peace, patience, kindnece, goodnece, faithfulnece, gentlnece and selfcantrol. Her daughter’s effort reminded Tracy that God’s Spirit will help her produce godly fruit in the midst of her struggle. And then Tracy noticed one Brenna wrote one more thing: "Love won another." (Mark Buchanan)
Are you struggling in your relationship with someone? Don’t let your frustration get you down. God’s Spirit can change your heart to be more caring and patient. Let the Lord guide you and watch His love win another!
Point of Connection: Be not angry tha...[more details]
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Joshua 19-21
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Joshua 19
The Land Of Simeon
1The second name drawn was for the families of the people of Simeon. Their land was in the center of the land of the people of Judah.
2They had in their land the cities of Beersheba, Sheba, Moladah,
3Hazarshual, Balah, Ezem,
4Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah,
5Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah,
6Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen, thirteen cities with the towns around them.
7There were Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan, four cities with their towns.
8And they had all the towns around these cities as far as Baalath-beer, also known as Ramah of the Negev. This was the land given to the families of the people of Simeon.
9The land of the people of Simeon was taken from the land of the people of Judah. For the share of the people of Judah was too large for them. So the people of Simeon received a share of land in the center of Judah' s land.
The Land Of Zebulun
10The third name drawn was for the families of the p...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.-Colossians 1:27
Patrick, the great missionary to the Irish people, had a profound sense of the love and nearness of Christ in his daily life. The following prayer written by Patrick reflects his deep, abiding faith. Make it your payer today!
Christ, as a light
illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield
overshadow me.
Christ under me;
Christ over me;
Christ beside me
on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me,
lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Point of Connection: I arise today to witness a mighty strength: God’s power to guide me. (Patrick of Ireland)
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Joshua 22-24
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Joshua 22
Joshua Sends Eastern Family Groups Home
1Joshua called the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-family group of Manasseh.
2He said to them, " You have done all that the Lord' s servant Moses told you to do. You have obeyed me in all I have told you to do.
3You have not left your brothers alone even to this day. But you have been careful to do what the Lord your God has told you.
4Now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as He promised them. So go now. Return to your homes in your own land, which the Lord' s servant Moses gave you on the other side of the Jordan.
5Only be very careful to obey the Law which the Lord' s servant Moses told you. Love the Lord your God. Walk in all His ways. Obey His Laws. Stay close to Him, and work for Him with all your heart and soul."
6Joshua prayed that good would come to them, and sent them away. Then they went to their homes.
7Moses had given land in Bashan to the half-family group of...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."-Malachi 3:10
Mary, an old Scottish woman, lived alone and in deep poverty. Yet she tithed her few funds very carefully to her church. One day the woman could not make it to church, so she asked a deacon to come by to pick up her donation. When he stopped by, Mary offered him a cup of tea. As he sipped the warm drink, he exclaimed, "Mary, its only water ye have!" "Aye!" she said, "but He makes it taste like tea!" (F. W. Boreman)
Are you struggling financially? Make sure in your crisis you don’t neglect giving to the Lord. God is faithful and can bless you when you give in faith. The One who turned water into wine can make it tea if you prefer!
Point of Connection: Giving a tithe means nothing if God has enabled you to give 50...[more details]
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Judges 1-2
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Judges 1
Adoni-bezek Is Taken
1After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel asked the Lord, 'Who will be first to go up and fight against the Canaanites for us?'
2The Lord said, 'Judah will go up. See, I have given the land into his hand.'
3Then Judah said to his brother Simeon, 'Come with me into the land which is given to me. Let us fight against the Canaanites together. Then I will go with you into the land which is given to you.' So Simeon went with him.
4Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hands. They killed 10,000 men at Bezek.
5They found Adoni in Bezek and fought against him, and they won the war against the Canaanites and the Perizzites.
6Adoni tried to run away, but they went after him and caught him. They cut off his thumbs and big toes.
7Adoni said, 'Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off had to gather their food under my table. Now God has paid me for what I have done.' So...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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So he (Jesus) rose from the table, took off his outer garment and tied a towel around his waist. Then he poured some water into a wash basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. -John 13:4-5 TEV
It is easy to serve the Lord when you are noticed or appreciated, but the true heart of a servant is tested through humility. Let these words from Ruth Calkin search your motives this Holy Week.
"You know, Lord, how I serve you with great emotional fervor in the limelight. You know how eagerly I speak for you at a women’s club. You know how I effervesce when I promote a fellowship group. You know my genuine enthusiasm at a Bible study. But how would I react, I wonder, if you pointed to a basin of water and asked me to wash the calloused feet of bent and wrinkled women, day after day, month after month, in a room where nobody saw and nobody knew?"
Point of Connection: Jesus, make me a foot washer like you.
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Judges 3-5
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Judges 3
The Nations That Are Still In The Land
1These are the nations the Lord left to test Israel. They were left to test all those who had not fought in any of the wars in Canaan.
2So the children of the people of Israel who had not fought in wars might be taught about war.
3These nations are: the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal as far as Lebo.
4They were left to test Israel, to find out if Israel would obey the Laws the Lord gave their fathers through Moses.
5The people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites.
6They married their daughters. They gave their own daughters to their sons, and they worshiped their gods.
7The people of Israel did what was sinful in the eyes of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth.
8So the anger of th...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins."-Matthew 26:27-28 NASB
Doctor John Duncan was sitting in a church in Scotland during a Communion service. He was feeling so personally unworthy that he allowed the bread and wine to pass. In his misery, Duncan noticed a girl at the end of his pew that also refrained, and then broke down into tears. Touched by the sight, the old man leaned over and whispered, "Take it, lassie, take it. It’s meant for sinners." And they both took Communion. (James Stewart)
Are you feeling far from the Lord? The Lord’s Table is a gift to you to remind you of his nearness and love. Nearly two thousand years ago, Jesus gave us his body and blood on Calvary to atone for your sins. Don’t hold back from the meal of God. It was meant for you!
Point of Connection: How soon would faith freeze without a cross! (Sa...[more details]
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Judges 6-7
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Judges 6
Gideon
1Then the people of Israel sinned in the eyes of the Lord. And the Lord gave them into the hands of Midian for seven years.
2Midian was stronger than Israel. Because of Midian the people of Israel made big caves in the sides of the mountains where they could live which were safe places for themselves.
3For when Israel had planted seeds, the Midianites and Amalekites and the people of the east would come and fight against them.
4They would set up their tents beside them and destroy the food of the field as far as Gaza. They would leave no food for Israel, and no sheep, cattle or donkeys.
5They would come with their animals and their tents. They were like locusts, there were so many of them. There were too many of them and their camels to number. And they came into the land to destroy it.
6So Israel became very poor because of Midian. The people of Israel cried to the Lord.
7The people of Israel cried to the Lord because of Midia...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. -Isaiah 53:5
During World War II, a Marine was caught in an enemy artillery barrage. With the shells exploding all around him, the grunt dove into a fox hole and started digging in. In the loose dirt the soldier touched a piece of metal. It was a silver cross. Suddenly someone else jumped into the hole+ for protection. The soldier looked through the dust and saw it was a chaplain. The soldier thrust the cross into the minister’s face and said, “Hey, I’m so glad to see you. How does this thing work, anyway?” (Unknown)
When Jesus was crucified, few people that day understood the significance of his death. Some thought he was an innocent victim of political jealousies. Others saw Jesus as being justly punished for claiming to be the messiah. The true meaning was prophesied centuries before by Isaiah: Jesus gave his life to...[more details]
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Judges 8-9
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Judges 8
Gideon Wins Over The Midianites
1Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, 'What is this you have done to us? Why did you not call us when you went to fight against Midian?' They were angry when they argued with him.
2But he said to them, 'What have I done to compare with you? Are not the grapes that are left of Ephraim better than all the grapes gathered of Abiezer?
3God has given the leaders of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, into your hands. What was I able to do to compare with you?' They were no longer angry when he said that.
4Then Gideon and the 300 men with him came to the Jordan and crossed it. They were tired but they kept going.
5Gideon said to the men of Succoth, 'I ask of you, give loaves of bread to the people who are following me. For they are tired and weak. I am going after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.'
6But the leaders of Succoth said, 'Are Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hands, that we should give bread to your army?'
...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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And the angel answered and said unto the women, "Fear not ye; For I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen." Matthew 28:5-6 KJV
During the war between England and Napoleon, the climactic battle was fought at Waterloo. When the Battle of Waterloo was over, news of the conflict was relayed by signal flags to the government in London. The flags began to spell: "Wellington defeated..." Before the message was completed a dense fog moved in and gloom filled the countryside at the news of apparent defeat. The hearts of the people changed when the fog lifted. The flags on the cathedral bore this triumphant message: "Wellington defeated the enemy."
Do you feel that defeat is near? Don’t despair. The disciples thought they were finished when Jesus was laid in the tomb. Three days later, they rejoiced in victory. You serve a resurrected Lord who has all power and might. Don’t be afraid; the fog will soon lift!
Point of Connection: Christi...[more details]
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Judges 10-12
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Judges 10
Tola
1After Abimelech died, Tola the son of Puah, son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, came to save Israel. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim.
2He judged Israel for twenty years. Then he died and was buried in Shamir.
Jair
3Jair the Gileadite came after him. He judged Israel for twenty years.
4He had thirty sons who traveled on thirty donkeys. They had thirty cities in the land of Gilead that are called the towns of Jair to this day.
5Jair died and was buried in Kamon.
Jephthah
6Then the people of Israel sinned in the eyes of the Lord. They served the male and female gods of Canaan, and the gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites and of the Philistines. They turned away from the Lord and did not serve Him.
7The anger of the Lord was against Israel. So He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the people of Ammon.
8They made it very hard for the people of Israel that year. For eighteen years they mad...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… Philippians 2:9-10
During World War II, the Germans held a group of American POW’s behind enemy lines. Unknown to the guards, the Americans had a radio and were able to get the news that Germany had surrendered. The announcement spread among the prisoners, transforming life in the camp. Men walked around singing and shouting, and waving at the guards. Three days later the Germans released the captives. Although now free to go, the prisoners had already been liberated by the earlier news that the war was over. (Ray Bakke)
Are you wrestling with sin? Don’t give up the fight. When God raised Christ from the dead, He broke the ultimate power of evil. Although now you can’t see it with your eyes, Jesus is in control. Sing praises to God in the midst of your conflict. The war is over and you know Who won!
Point of Connection: Easter is the...[more details]
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Judges 13-15
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Judges 13
The Birth Of Samson
1The people of Israel sinned in the eyes of the Lord again. So the Lord gave them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.
2There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites. His name was Manoah. His wife was not able to have children.
3Then the angel of the Lord came to the woman and said to her, 'See, you have not been able to have any children. But the Lord will make it possible for you to have a child and you will give birth to a son.
4So be careful not to drink wine or strong drink. Do not eat anything that is unclean.
5You will have a child and give birth to a son. His hair must never be cut. Because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the time he is born. He will begin to take Israel away from the Philistines' power.'
6Then the woman came and told her husband. She said, 'A man of God came to me. He looked like the angel of God, filling me with fear. I did not ask him where he came from. A...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Freely, you have received, freely give. -Matthew 10:8
Dr. Billie Davis was raised in an impoverished family of migrant workers. One year, Billie’s elementary school teacher noticed the little girl had trouble focusing while reading in class. The teacher had her eyes checked, and then bought her a pair of sorely needed glasses. When the teacher gave her the glasses, Billie said, "I can’t take these; we’ve got no money." The teacher explained how when she was a little girl she needed glasses and a teacher paid for them. "So you see, Billie," said her teacher, "you can take the glasses; they were paid for a long time ago." (Pentecostal Evangel)
The Risen Jesus has brought the gift of forgiveness and salvation. Now it’s your responsibility to share this good news with others. Don’t hold back from others. It’s been paid for a long time ago.
Point of Connection: Give like the Giver!
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Judges 16-18
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Judges 16
Samson And Delilah
1Samson went to Gaza and saw a woman who sold the use of her body there. He went in to her.
2The Gazites were told, 'Samson has come here.' So they gathered around the place and waited for him all night at the gate of the city. They were quiet all night, saying, 'Let us wait until the morning light. Then we will kill him.'
3But Samson lay until late at night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the pieces that held them. He pulled them up together with the locks and put them on his shoulders. And he carried them up to the top of the mountain beside Hebron.
4After this Samson loved a woman in the valley of Sorek. Her name was Delilah.
5The leaders of the Philis tines came to her, saying, 'Tempt Samson to tell you the secret of his powerful strength. Find out how we can get power over him so we can tie him and hold him. Then we will each give you 1,100 pieces of silver.'
6So Delilah said to Samson...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. Galatians 6:1
During British Airways Flight 5390, the jet’s windshield blew out sucking the pilot halfway out of the cockpit. Crew members grabbed their senior officer by the legs wrestling against the 320 mph air stream. Crew members, who clung to his ankles for 15 minutes, were encouraged by the co-pilot who kept yelling, "Hold on with all your might-- we're almost there!" The plan landed and the pilot was saved with only minor injuries! (Wayne Powell)
Do you know someone being sucked in by sin? Don’t be afraid to help. God never expects us to deal with temptation by ourselves. Grab tight and hold on with all your might. Who knows, someday you may need the same favor?
Point of Connection: There is no substitute for flesh-and-blood friends if we are to understand ourselves and grow in communion with God. (Timothy Jones)
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Judges 19-21
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Judges 19
The Levite And Woman Who Acted As His Wife
1There was no king in Israel in those days. And there was a certain Levite staying in a far away part of the hill country of Ephraim. He took a woman from Bethlehem in Judah to act as his wife.
2But his woman was not faithful to him. She left him and went to her father's house in Bethlehem in Judah. She stayed there four months.
3Then her husband got up and went after her. He was gentle in speaking to her, asking her to return with him. He brought his servant and two donkeys with him. So she brought him into her father's house. When her father saw him, he was glad to meet him.
4His fatherlaw, the girl's father, made him stay. So he stayed with him three days. They ate and drank and stayed there.
5They got up early in the morning on the fourth day to get ready to go. The girl's father said to his son, 'Eat a piece of bread to get your strength. Then you may go.'
6So both of them sat down and ate and...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. -Proverbs 13:6
Spherion, a career staffing agency, asked 2,000 employees if they had ever taken office supplies for personal use. Nearly 20 percent of employees admitted they had. Surprisingly, the likelihood that someone would use company materials for personal use increased with education and salary level. Thirteen percent of employees with a high school education said they pilfered office supplies, compared with 27 percent of college graduates and 22 percent of employees with post-graduate education. In fact, employees in the highest salary ranges have been known to help themselves to company cell phones and computers. (Brandon O’Brien)
How honest are you at work? Don’t let a sense of entitlement lead you to misuse your company phone, copier, or expense account. Make sure you act with integrity in all that you do. Righteousness before God is your best job security!
Point of Connection: One man...[more details]
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Ruth
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Ruth 1
Elimelech's Family Moves To Moab
1In the days when there were judges to rule, there was a time of no food in the land. A certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to visit the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons.
2The name of the man was Elimelech. His wife's name was Naomi. And the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites of Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the land of Moab and stayed there.
3But Naomi's husband Elimelech died. And she was left with her two sons,
4who married Moabite women. The name of one was Orpah. The name of the other was Ruth. After living there about ten years,
5both Mahlon and Chilion died. Naomi was left without her two children and her husband.
Naomi And Ruth Return To Bethlehem
6Then Naomi got ready to return from the land of Moab with her daughters. She had heard in the land of Moab that the Lord had brought food to His people.
7So she left with her two daughters and wen...[more details]
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1 Samuel 1-3
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1 Samuel 1
The Family Of Elkanah At Shiloh
1There was a certain man from Ramathaim of the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
2He had two wives. The name of one was Hannah. The name of the other was Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3This man would go from his city each year to worship and to give gifts on the altar in Shiloh to the Lord of All. Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were the Lord's religious leaders there.
4On the day when Elkanah killed animals on the altar in worship, he would give part of the gift to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters.
5But he would give twice as much to Hannah, for he loved Hannah. But the Lord had made it so she could not have children.
6Peninnah would try to make her very angry, because the Lord would not let her have children.
7So it happened, year after year, each...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. -Jeremiah 2:13
A hospital in the Midwest made an unsettling discovery. The sprinkler system that the hospital installed 35 years ago had never been properly connected! Although the medical staff and patients had complete confidence in the system, workers discovered after all these years, that the main water delivery pipe extended four feet underground and then simply stopped. The costly equipment with its polished valves and well-placed outlets was adequate for the building, but it lacked the most important thing--water! (Daily Devotions)
What are you ultimately depending on? Leaning on personal strengths and shaky resources like money, education and influence may you leave high and dry in the end. Only God can fill the thirst in your soul. Stay connected to the Source!
Point of Connection: Disturb us, Lord, when with...[more details]
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1 Samuel 4-8
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1 Samuel 4
The Philistines Take The Special Box Of The Agreement
1So the news of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They set up their tents beside Ebenezer while the Philistines stayed at Aphek.
2The Philistines came dressed for battle to meet Israel. When the battle spread, Israel lost to the Philistines. The Philistines killed about 4,000 men on the battle.
3When the people returned to the tents, the leaders of Israel said, 'Why has the Lord made us lose today to the Philistines? Let us bring the special box that holds the Law of the Lord here from Shiloh. Then He may come among us and save us from the power of those who fight against us.'
4So the people sent men to Shiloh to take the special box with the Law of the Lord of All Who sits above the cherubim. Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the special box with the Law of God.
5When the box with the Law of the Lord came among the tents, all...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. -John 14:1-2
A 2007 AARP survey indicates that a majority of people over 50 believe in life after death. Over half -66 percent - of those surveyed agreed that their confidence in life after death has increased with age. Interestingly, while 86 percent of respondents said they believe in heaven, only 70 percent believe in hell. Respondents were divided over whether heaven and hell were actual places or states of being. Of those who believe in heaven, 47 percent consider it a state of being; 40 percent considered it an actual place. (USA Today)
Are you sure of your eternal destiny? Simply believing in the after life is no guarantee on where you will end up. Only Jesus claimed to be the true way to heaven. Put your trust in Him and end up with a 100% guarantee!
Point of Connection: One thie...[more details]
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1 Samuel 9-12
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Samuel 9
Saul Is Chosen To Be The King
1There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite. He was a powerful man of action.
2He had a son whose name was Saul, a good-looking young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel who was better looking than he. He was a head taller than any of the people.
3Now the donkeys of Saul's father Kish were lost. So Kish said to his son Saul, 'Take one of the servants and go look for the donkeys.'
4They passed through the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. They passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.
5When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, 'Come, let us return. My father might stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us.'
6T...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; -Jude 22-23
Shannon Conwell and his son fell asleep on the couch while watching a movie. They awoke to find their home on fire after hearing the family’s Amazon parrot, Peanut, imitating a fire alarm. "He was really screaming his head off," Conwell said. "The smoke alarm had activated, but the noise of our air-conditioner drowned it out. It was the bird’s call that caught my attention. I grabbed my son and my bird and got out of the house," he said. The fire destroyed the home. (AP 10-27-07)
Do you know people who are walking into hell? Make sure you give them an eternal wake-up call. The noise of this world may be deafening them to the call of the Savior. Scream you head off if you have to get their attention! Sound the gospel alarm!
Point of Connection: We will have eternity to celebrate the victories, but only a few hours before sunset to win them. (Amy Carmichael)
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1 Samuel 13-14
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1 Samuel 13
War With The Philistines
1Saul was forty years old when he began to rule. He ruled over Israel thirty years.
2Saul chose 3,000 men of Israel. There were 2,000 of them with Saul in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel. And 1,000 were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. But he sent away the rest of the people, each to his tent.
3Jonathan destroyed the place where the Philistine soldiers were in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul sounded the horn through all the land, saying, 'Let the Hebrews hear.'
4All Israel heard the news that Saul had destroyed the place where the Philistine soldiers were. And they heard that Israel had become a hated thing to the Philistines. Then the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal.
5The Philistines gathered to fight against Israel, with 30,000 war-wagons, 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand on the sea shore. They came and set up their tents at Michmash, east of Beth.
6The men o...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:12-13
Have you heard of the Secret? The Secret is a best-selling book that promises success, prosperity and well-being to those who practice “the powerful universal law of attraction.” Millions are buying the hit book or visiting the Website. This New Age philosophy claims that you are an extension of spiritual reality and what you think or intend will ultimately come about! (MSN.com)
Are you looking for the key to vibrant living? Don’t get hooked in by the clever pitches of people hawking the latest false spirituality. God created you to thrive on a relationship with Him through His Son. If you really want the inside scoop, the Secret is Jesus!
Point of Connection: We can’t save ourselves by pulling on our bootstraps, even when the bootstraps are made of the finest religious leather. (Eugene Peterson)
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1 Samuel 15-17
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1 Samuel 15
War With The Amalekites
1Samuel said to Saul, 'The Lord sent me to choose you to be king over His people Israel. Now listen to the Words of the Lord.
2This is what the Lord of All says. 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel in standing against them on the way, when they came up from Egypt.
3Now go and destroy Amalek. Destroy all they have, and do not let them live. Kill both man and woman, child and baby, cattle and sheep, camel and donkey.''
4So Saul called the people together and numbered them in Telaim. There were 200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 I SAMUEL 15 I SAMUEL 14, 15 men of Judah.
5Saul came to the city of Amalek and hid, waiting in the valley.
6Saul said to the Kenites, 'Go, leave the Amalekites, or I might destroy you with them. For you showed kindness to all the people of Israel when they came up from Egypt.' So the Kenites left the Amalekites.
7Then Saul destroyed the Amalekites, from Havilah as far as Shur,...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ -Luke 14:18
Mayor Kuzmin, of the town of Megion in western Russia, had enough of inefficiency from his staff. Kuzmin published a list of 27 excuses he will no longer tolerate from city workers. Civil servants who use such flimsy excuses as "I don't know," "It's lunchtime," or "I was on sick leave at the time," will lose their jobs. Other banned excuses include "I can’t," "It’s impossible," or "It’s not my job." According to Kuzmin the decision was simple. City officials should solve problems, not make excuses. (Ted DeHass)
Are you putting off responding to the Lord? Don’t let your flimsy excuses keep you from answering God’s call. Don’t fool yourself. The Lord wants obedience and not alibis. Jesus takes no jive!
Point of Connection: Those who know their unworthiness seize grace as a hungry man seizes bread; the self-righteous resent grace. (Rand...[more details]
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