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"Daily Connection" and "Read the Bible in a year"
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1 Samuel 18-20
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1 Samuel 18
King Saul Is Jealous Of David
1When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan became one with the soul of David. Jonathan loved him as himself.
2Saul took David that day, and would not let him return to his father's house.
3Then Jonathan made an agreement with David, because he loved him as himself.
4Jonathan took off his long coat and gave it to David. He gave him his battle, his sword, his bow and his belt also.
5David went everywhere that Saul sent him, and did well. Saul had him lead the men of war. And it was pleasing to all the people and to Saul's servants.
6When David returned from killing the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, playing songs of joy on timbrels.
7The women sang as they played, and said, 'Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands.'
8Then Saul became very angry. This saying did not please him. He said, 'The...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Cornerstone Church needed to obtain land near its downtown Dallas location for its first building. They were grateful to purchase an acre of vacant "prime" property at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, the church was tricked. The property was previously a landfill. Core samples indicated that trash was piled up 25 feet down and the site was "unbuildable!" The church turned to God in intense prayer over the costly error. After several months one member of the church felt they should take another set of samples. This time the core samples only brought up soil. Today, Cornerstone is worshipping in its building on the land! (Erwin McManus)
Has life been playing a joke on you lately? Don’t let the devil get the last laugh. Submit your plans to the Lord and ask Him to turn the tables. You are never a fool when you put your trust in God!
Point of Connection: You may be de...[more details]
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1 Samuel 21-24
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1 Samuel 21
David Runs From Saul
1David came to Ahimelech the religious leader at Nob. Ahimelech came shaking in fear to meet David, and said to him, 'Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?'
2David said to Ahimelech the religious leader, 'The king has given me something to do. And he has said to me, 'Let no one know anything about what I have sent you to do.' I have told the young men to meet at a certain place.
3Now, what do you have ready? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever you may have.'
4The religious leader answered David, 'I only have bread which has been set apart as holy, if only the young men have kept themselves from women.'
5And David told the religious leader, 'For sure women have been kept from us while we have traveled. The bodies of the young men are holy even on everyday trips. How much more they are today!'
6So the religious leader gave him holy bread. For there was no bread there but the bread before the Lord. It was take...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar…you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3
More people are Googling themselves than ever before. According to the Pew Research Foundation, 47% of U.S. adult Internet users have looked for information about themselves through Google or another search engine. This is more than twice the 22% of users who did so in 2002. About 60% of users did not worry about the extent of their personal information available online. (USA Today)
Are you struggling to understand yourself better? Getting to know your true self can only begin with a personal relationship with God. He sees you as you really are and more importantly, what you can become through His love. Your life will make more sense when you get online with the Lord!
Point of Connection: To be straightforward with God is neither an easy nor a common grace. (F. W. Faber)
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1 Samuel 25-27
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1 Samuel 25
The Death Of Samuel
1Now Samuel died. All Israel gathered together and was filled with sorrow for him. They buried him at his house in Ramah.
9When David's young men came, they said all this to Nabal in David's name. Then they waited.
10But Nabal answered David's servants, 'Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are leaving their owners.
11Should I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my wool cutters, and give it to men when I do not know where they came from?'
12So David's young men turned away and returned to David and told him all this.
13David said to his men, 'Every man put on his sword!' So every man put on his sword, and David put on his sword also. About 400 men went up behind David, while 200 stayed with their things.
14But one of the young men told Nabal's wife Abigail, 'See, David sent men from the desert to say hello to our owner, and he spoke against them....[more details]
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Daily Connection
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"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18
Heinz Foods experienced phenomenal success when it’s EZ Squirt Blastin? Green ketchup recently hit the marketplace. More than 10 million bottles of the uniquely colored product were sold in the first seven months. Heinz factories worked non-stop to keep up with the demand. The food company tallied record sales that quarter due to Heinz green ketchup. All because of a simple color change. (Preaching Today)
Are you struggling with stains of guilt and shame? Maybe you need a color change? God promises to bleach out the dark spots of sin and give you a white conscience. Confess your sins and receive the Lord’s forgiveness. You’ll find more joy in life when you are "blastin" out of guilt into grace! (MSN.com)
Point of Connection: One reason God created time was so there would be a place to bur...[more details]
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1 Samuel 28-31
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1 Samuel 28
Saul And The Woman Of Endor
1In those days the Philistines gathered their armies for war against Israel. Achish said to David, 'Understand that you and your men are to go out with me to battle.'
2David said to Achish, 'Very well, you will know what your servant can do.' And Achish said to David, 'Very well, I will make you the soldier who stands by me and keeps me safe for life.'
3Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had been filled with sorrow for him. They buried him in his own city of Ramah. And Saul had put out of the land those who spoke with spirits by using their secret ways.
4The Philistines gathered together and came and stayed at Shunem. Saul gathered all Israel together and they stayed at Gilboa.
5When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid. His heart shook with much fear.
6Saul asked the Lord what he should do. But the Lord did not answer him, by dreams or by Urim or by those who speak for God.
7Then Saul said to hi...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. Romans 2:5
John nervously fingered through the stack of mail looking for another 0% credit card offer. For the last 12 months John transferred $5,000 in debt from one card to another as the free offers expired. He had recently been laid off and had very little money to pay on the cards he was using. With his failure to pay, the card offers were becoming far and few between each other. It was inevitable. John couldn’t expect to rollover his debts forever! (Steve Klipowicz)
Are you avoiding the inevitable? Sooner or later you must give an account to God for your sins. As a righteous Lord, God cannot rollover evil forever. Make peace with God today. Receive Jesus as the full payment of your debt of sin. It’s better to pay now than later!
Point of Connection: The recognition of your sin is the beginning o...[more details]
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2 Samuel 1-3
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2 Samuel 1
David Hears Of Saul's Death
1Now after the death of Saul, David returned from killing the Amalekites and stayed two days in Ziklag.
2On the third day, a man came from the tents of Saul. His clothes were torn and he had dust on his head. When he came to David, he fell with his face to the ground.
3David said to him, 'Where do you come from?' And he answered, 'I have run away from the tents of Israel.'
4David said to him, 'How did it go? Tell me.' And the man said, 'The people have run from the battle. Many have fallen and are dead. Saul and his son Jonathan are dead also.'
5David said to the young man, 'How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?'
6The young man said, 'I happened to be on Mount Gilboa. There I saw Saul holding himself up with his spear. The war and the horsemen were coming close after him.
7When he looked behind him, he saw me. He called to me and I said, 'Here I am.'
8He said to me, 'Who are you?...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Luke 22:31-32
Mary and her young daughter were taking their first flight together. Mary listened attentively as the flight attendant explained the safety procedures. After the safety talk covered seat belts and exit ways, the attendant demonstrated how the air mask system would descend if the cabin experienced de-pressurization. The words clearly rang in Mary’s mind, "put your own mask on first before helping small children with theirs!" (Steve Klipowicz)
Are you running out of air when ministering to hurting people? Trying to revive others when you are spiritually gasping can lead to your burnout. Take care of yourself the first thing each day. Ask the Lord for a fresh breath of the Holy Spirit. Make sure you have something life-giving to give to others!
Point of Connection: Spiritual health is being...[more details]
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2 Samuel 4-7
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2 Samuel 4
Ish-bosheth Is Killed
1When Saul's son Ish heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost his strength of heart. All Israel was troubled.
2Saul's son had two men who were captains of small armies. The name of one was Baanah, and the name of the other was Rechab. They were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of Benjamin. (For Beeroth is thought of as part of Benjamin.
3The people of Beeroth ran to Gittaim, and have been strangers there to this day.)
4Now Saul's son Jonathan had a son who could not walk because of his feet. He was five years old when the news of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse had picked him up and ran. In her hurry to get away, he fell and hurt his feet so he could not walk. His name was Mephibosheth.
5The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, left and came to the family of Ish. It was during the heat of the day, while Ish was taking his noon rest.
6They came to the center of the house as if to get wheat,...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22
When Justin Armour was a rookie wide receiver with the Buffalo Bills, some veteran teammates invited him to a party where gorgeous women offered free sex to any of the players who wanted it. "It was the most eye-opening experience I’ve ever had," Justin reported. "I had heard about things like this, but I was so naive. I got out of there as fast as I could!" As a single Christian guy, Justin had committed to saving sex for marriage. To do so, he had to run from temptation. (Men of Integrity)
Is temptation trying to tackle you? The best way to get around the lure of evil is to run downfield from it. Don’t mess with more than you can handle. Turn from sin and go deep for the Lord!
Point of Connection: Temptations discover what we are. (Thomas a Kempis)
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2 Samuel 8-12
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2 Samuel 8
David Wins Other Battles
1After this David won the battle against the Philistines. And he took the most important city from the Philistines.
2He won the battle against Moab, and had them lie down on the ground in straight groups. Two groups were put to death, and one group was kept alive. The Moabites became servants to David and paid taxes to him.
3Then David won the battle against Hadadezer the son of Rehob king of Zobah, as he went to get his power again at the Euphrates River.
4David took 1700 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers from him. He cut the legs of some of the war horses, but saved enough of them for 100 warwagons.
5When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David killed 22,000 of them.
6Then he put groups of soldiers in Damascus of Syria. The Syrians became servants to David and were made to pay taxes to him. The Lord helped David every place he went.
7David took the coverings of gold which were c...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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A fool gives full vent to his anger. Proverbs 29:11
Steve Tran of Westminster, California, was frustrated with his cockroach problem. In desperation, the irate man activated 25 aerosol "bug" bombs to eliminate the pests. When the thick cloud of fumigant reached the pilot light of the stove, it exploded, demolishing his apartment. "I really wanted to kill all of them," he said. "I thought if I used a lot more, it would last longer." Although the blast caused over $10,000 damage, the roaches were back the next week! (Arizona Republic)
Are you getting ticked off? Don’t let your temper explode. Venting your anger may feel good for a moment but the blast can do irreparable damage to you and those around. Ask the Lord to show you constructive ways to channel what bugs you!
Point of Connection: Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame. (Benjamin Franklin)
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2 Samuel 13-15
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2 Samuel 13
Amnon And Tamar
1Now David's son Absalom had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar. And David's son Amnon loved her.
2Amnon was so troubled because of his sister Tamar that he became sick. She was a woman who had never had a man, and Amnon thought how hard it would be to have her.
3But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab. He was the son of David's brother Shimeah. And Jonadab was very good at making plans.
4He said to Amnon, 'O son of the king, why are you so sad from day to day? Will you not tell me?' Amnon said to him, 'I am in love with Tamar, the sister of my brother Absalom.'
5Then Jonadab said to him, II SAMUEL 13 II SAMUEL 12, 13 'Lie down on your bed and pretend to be sick. When your father comes to see you, say to him, 'I beg you, let my sister Tamar come and give me some food to eat. Let her make food ready here so I can see it and eat it from her hand.''
6So Amnon lay down and pretended to be sick. When the king came to...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
In 1973, Astronomer Lubos Kohoutek and a contingent of well-heeled followers sailed far into the ocean to catch a glimpse of the much anticipated Kohoutek Comet. The group was deeply disappointed when the aerial fireworks sputtered. Experts later explained that Kohoutek was a "clean" comet made mostly of pure ice. Without needed impurities the comet did not glow brightly. On the other hand, dirty comets glow brightly due to their abundant dust and debris. (Steve Klipowicz)
Ever get frustrated that "dirty" comets get all the attention? The headlines are filled with sordid stories of stars whose shocking behavior gives them their 15 minutes of fame. Jesus promises that your good deeds won’t go unnoticed. They might not make the front page but they will influence others for the Kingdom. In God’s eyes, clean comets give the most light!
Point of Connection: I would rather lose in a cause that I know some day will triumph than to trium...[more details]
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2 Samuel 16-18
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2 Samuel 16
David And Ziba
1When David had gone a short way past the mountain top, Mephibosheth's servant Ziba met him with two donkeys ready for traveling. On them were 200 loaves of bread, 100 vines of dried grapes, 100 summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
2The king said to Ziba, 'Why do you have these?' And Ziba said, 'The donkeys are for those of the king's house to travel on. The bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat. And the wine drink is for whoever is weak in the desert.'
3Then the king said, 'Where is your owner's son?' And Ziba answered, 'He is staying in Jerusalem. For he said, 'Today the family of Israel will return to me the nation of my father.''
4So the king said to Ziba, 'See, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.' And Ziba said, 'I bow down in honor to you. O my lord the king, let me find favor in your eyes!'
David And Shimei
5When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of Saul. His name was S...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he becomes like a baby again and relearns everything from God’s Word. John 3:3 (Binumarien New Testament)
Bible translators working in Papua, New Guinea struggled to find a good way to express the idea of being "born again" as presented in the Gospel of John. Finally a native worker gave a good explanation: "Sometimes a person goes wrong and will not listen to anybody. We all get together in the village and place that person in the midst of us. The elders talk to him for a long time. ‘You have gone wrong!’ they say. ‘All your thoughts, intentions and values are wrong. Now you have to become a baby again and start to relearn everything right.’"(From Other Words)
Has your journey become unmanageable? Maybe you need to start over again. God can provide you a fresh beginning through His love if you are willing to give up your old ways and thoughts. Ask the Lord for the New Birth through faith in Jesus and let God "baby you" on to a better lif...[more details]
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2 Samuel 19-21
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2 Samuel 19
1Then Joab was told, 'See, the king is crying. He is filled with sorrow for Absalom.'
2So the happiness of winning the battle that day was changed to sorrow for all the people. For they heard that day, 'The king is filled with sorrow for his son.'
3So the people were quiet as they went in secret into the city that day. They acted like people who are ashamed when they run away from a battle.
4The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, 'O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!'
5Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, 'Today you have covered the faces of all your servants with shame. Today they have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives and the women who act as your wives.
6But you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. You have shown today that rulers and servants are nothing to you. For today I see that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, you would be...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Young Jody came home from Sunday school, where she had been told to "let her light shine!" She asked her mother what that meant. Mom said, "Well, it means that when you are good and kind and thoughtful and obedient, you are letting Christ’s light shine in your life before all who know you." The next Sunday, Jody got into an argument with another girl. Afterwards her concerned mother asked, "Jodie, don’t you remember about letting your light shine for the Lord?" Jody blurted out with regret, "Mom, I have blowed myself out." (Preaching Today)
Has your light been snuffed out lately? Don’t let your past sins and mistakes dim your testimony for God. Humbly ask the Lord and others for forgiveness. The Holy Spirit can restore the flame of your witness. With Jesus, you have never "blowed" it for good!
Point of Connection: Lord, I confess I am not what I ought to be, but I...[more details]
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2 Samuel 22-24
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2 Samuel 22
David's Song Of Praise
1David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day the Lord saved him from all who hated him, and from Saul.
2He said, 'The Lord is my rock, my strong place, and the One Who sets me free.
3He is my God, my rock, where I go to be safe. He is my covering and the horn that saves me, my strong place where I go to be safe. You save me from being hurt.
4I call upon the Lord, Who should be praised. I am saved from those who hate me.
5'For the waves of death were all around me. The storm that destroys made me afraid.
6The cords of the grave were around me. The nets of death came against me.
7In my trouble I called upon the Lord. Yes, I cried to my God. From His house He heard my voice. My cry for help came II SAMUEL 21, 22 II SAMUEL 22 into His ears.
8'Then the earth shook. The mountains were shaking. They shook because He was angry.
9Smoke went up from His nose. Fire that destroyed came from Hi...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5
Muhammad Ali was not only one of this nation’s greatest athletes, he was also one of the most proud. "I am the Greatest!" he would say. One day he boarded a plane but refused to fasten his seatbelt. The flight attendants politely requested that he do so, but each time Ali refused, until finally he said, "Superman don’t need no seatbelt." "Yes, I realize that," replied the attendant, "and Superman don’t need no airplane." (Unknown)
Are you beginning to think too highly of yourself? Don’t let pride be your Kryptonite. The Lord opposes the proud and will arrange things so you will know you are not the "Person of Steel!" Boast in the Lord and not yourself. Only He is the Greatest!
Point of Connection: There is no truer humility than to attempt great things for God. (Abbe de St. Cyran)
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1 Kings 1-2
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1 Kings 1
Adonijah Makes Himself King
1Now King David was old. He had lived many years. They covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm.
2So his servants said to him, 'Let a young woman who has never had a man be found for my lord the king. Let her help the king and become his nurse. And let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.'
3So they looked through all the land of Israel for a beautiful girl, and found Abishag the Shunammite. And they brought her to the king.
4The girl was very beautiful. She became the king's nurse and helped him. But the king did not have sex with her.
5Now Haggith's son Adonijah honored himself, saying, 'I will be king.' So he made war and horsemen ready for himself, with fifty men to run in front of him.
6His father had never troubled him at any time by asking, 'Why have you done this?' He was a very good-looking man also, and was born next after Absalom.
7He spoke with Joab the son of Zer...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
In 1997, adventurer Steve Fossett attempted to circle the globe in a hot air balloon. While crossing Africa, he found himself heading easterly towards Libya’s restricted airspace where he could be shot down. Since balloons are prisoners of the wind and can’t turn, Fossett’s only hope was to descend and catch a cross current in a different direction. Fossett vented helium and dropped 6,000 feet to find a wind blowing southeast. This enabled Fossett to skirt Libya and continue on with his epic voyage. (Craig Larson)
Are you flying toward a crash landing? Perhaps you need to change your attitude by adopting a new attitude. A fresh perspective of faith can steer you towards better horizons. In the flight of life, you no longer need to be a prisoner of the wind of your c...[more details]
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1 Kings 3-5
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1 Kings 3
Solomon Asks For Wisdom
1Then Solomon made a marriage agreement with Pharaoh the king of Egypt. He took Pharaoh's daughter and brought her to the city of David. She stayed there until he had finished building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall around Jerusalem.
2The people were still giving their different gifts on altars, because no house had yet been built for the name of the Lord.
3Now Solomon loved the Lord. He walked in the Laws of his father David. But he gave gifts and burned special perfume on different altars.
4The king went to give a gift on the altar in worship at Gibeon, for that was where the most important altar was. Solomon gave a thousand burnt gifts on that altar.
5The Lord came to Solomon in a special dream in Gibeon during the night. God said, 'Ask what you wish Me to give you.'
6Then Solomon said, 'You have shown great loving to Your servant David my father because he was faithful and right and good a...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Stephanie May Edwards would never want to repeat the events of July 28, 1979. On this day she was informed that her husband and five other family members were killed in a tragic plane crash. Although a devout Christian, Stephanie struggled to overcome her incredible grief. Her pastor encouraged her to keep a journal describing her journey of loss. After several years, Stephanie found healing through Christ and concluded her journal with these simple words, "This rose will bloom again!" (J. Riddle)
Are you walking through a time of shadows? Don’t give up hope. The Lord has promised to guide you as one of His beloved sheep. There will come a day when you will bloom again. Trust the Good Shepherd to write the last chapter of your story!
Point of Connection: The Lord knows the way through the wilderness. All you have to do is...[more details]
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1 Kings 6-7
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1 Kings 6
Solomon Builds The House Of God
1In the 480th year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's rule over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the Lord.
2The house which King Solomon built for the Lord was as long as thirty long steps, as wide as ten long steps, and eight times taller than a man.
3All along the front of the House of God was a porch ten long steps long and five long steps wide. It was as long as the house was wide.
4He made windows for the house with beautiful cross.
5He made a building of rooms against the outer walls of three sides of the house. These rooms were three floors high.
6The bottom floor was as wide as three steps. The second floor was as wide as three long steps. And the third floor was as wide as four steps. For around the outside of the house he made places for the large wood cross to rest on. That way they would not need to...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. Jeremiah 6:10
A warning on a small tractor that reads "Danger: Avoid Death" has been chosen as the nation’s wackiest warning label in a contest sponsored by a legal watchdog organization. The second place was given for a label found on an iron-on T-shirt transfer that warns: "Do not iron while wearing shirt." The third prize was for a label on a baby stroller featuring a small storage pouch that warns: "Do not put child in bag." (MSN.com)
Are you ignoring the warning labels of God? Although the Bible was written years ago, its guidelines for life still hold true today. Make sure you obey the Word of the Lord.
This is one set of Manufacturer’s instructions that you should observe!
Point of Connection: The Bible may cause you to wonder, but it will never cause you to
wander. (Unknown)
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1 Kings 8-9
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1 Kings 8
The Special Box Brought Into The House Of God
1Then King Solomon gathered together the leaders of Israel in front of him in Jerusalem. He gathered together all the heads of the families and the leaders of the fathers' houses of the sons of Israel. They gathered to bring up the Lord's special box of the agreement from Zion the city of David.
2All the men of Israel gathered to King Solomon at the special supper in the seventh month, Ethanim.
3All the leaders of Israel came, and the religious leaders took up the Lord's special box of the agreement.
4They brought up the Lord's special box of the agreement, I KINGS 8 I KINGS 7, 8 the meeting tent, and all the holy objects which were in the tent. The religious leaders and the Levites brought them up.
5King Solomon and all the people of Israel, who were gathered to him, were with him in front of the special box. They killed so many sheep and cattle on the altar that their number could not be known.
...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Lest we give them offense, go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin. Take that and give it to them for you and Me. Matthew 17:27 KJV
It was a week before taxes were due and Steve was being tempted to cheat on his federal form. His wife had worked part-time the last year and forgot to have anything extra deducted. Steve was now facing an unexpected $1,501 tax bill and didn’t have any spare cash. Finally, Steve gave up struggling and did what was right and paid the due taxes. Within a few weeks, he received an unexpected check from his mortgage company for overpayment in the escrow account. The refund was for $1,502! (Steve Klipowicz)
Taxes are due today! God wants you above all to trust Him and do what is right. Give the government what it asks and believe God for your needs. It might sound fishy, but the Lord has some unusual ways to provide for your needs.
Point of Connection: Nothing i...[more details]
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1 Kings 10-11
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1 Kings 10
The Queen Of Sheba Visits Solomon
1When the queen of Sheba heard about the wisdom Solomon had from the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.
2She came to Jerusalem and many people came with her. She brought camels carrying spices and much gold and stones of much worth. When she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind.
3And Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from the king which he could not make plain to her.
4The queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the house he had built,
5the food on his table, and his many servants seated to eat. She saw those who brought the food and how they were dressed, and those who carried his cups. She saw the steps by which he went up to the house of the Lord. And there was no more spirit in her.
6She said to the king, 'The news was true that I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom.
7But I did not believe the news until I came. No...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30:20
Erik Weihenmayer is blind from a degenerative eye-disease, yet on May 25, 2001, he scaled the peak of deadly Mt. Everest. Erik’s success on this treacherous ascent came because he listened well. He cued in on the little bell tied to the back of the climber in front of him, so he would know what direction to go. He listened to the voice of teammates who would shout back to him, "Death fall two feet to your right!" so he would know what direction not to go. He listened to the sound of his pick jabbing the ice, so he would know whether the ice was safe to cross. (Dave Newhouse)
Are you facing a perilous climb in life? Make sure you keep your attention to the voice of the Lord. Take your cues from His Spirit and Word to avoid the pitfalls ahead. In walking with Jesus, what you hear is what you finally get!
Point of Connectio...[more details]
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1 Kings 12-14
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1 Kings 12
Israel And Rehoboam
1Rehoboam went to Shechem. For all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
2Now Jeroboam the son of Nebat was still in Egypt where he had run away from King Solomon. When Jeroboam heard the news, he returned from Egypt.
3They sent for him. Then Jeroboam and all the people of Israel came and said to Rehoboam,
4'Your father made our load heavy. Take away some of the hard work and heavy load your father put on us, and we will serve you.'
5Rehoboam said to them, 'Leave for three days. Then return to me.' So the people left.
6King Rehoboam spoke with the leaders who had worked for his father Solomon while he was still alive. He asked them, 'What answer do you think I should give to these people?'
7They said to him, 'Help these people today. Serve them. Answer them with good words. If you do, then they will be your servants forever.'
8But Rehoboam turned away from the wise words the leaders gave him. Instea...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
Six Catholic nuns were in their third-floor sleeping quarters in the convent when a fire broke out one night. The nuns quickly took off their habits, tied them together to make a rope, and climbed out of the window. After they were safely on the ground and out of the building, a news reporter came over to one of the nuns and asked her, "Weren’t you afraid that the makeshift cloth rope might have ripped or broken?" The nun smiled and replied, "Oh, no, dear. Don’t you know old habits are hard to break?" (Net 153)
Is going to church beginning to slip from your routine? Don’t let the busyness of life push consistent attendance from your routine. Meet regularly with God’s people for encouragement and support. The habit of worship is one thing you can hang your life on!
Point of Connection: What we need isn’t more...[more details]
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1 Kings 15-17
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1 Kings 15
Abijam Rules Judah
1In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nabat, Abijam became king over Judah.
2He ruled for three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom.
3And he walked in all the sins which his father had done before him. He was not faithful to the Lord with all his heart, like the heart of his father David.
4But the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem because of David. He gave him a son to rule after him and to keep Jerusalem strong.
5Because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He did not turn away from anything the Lord told him to do all the days of his life, except in what happened with Uriah the Hittite.
6And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
7Now the rest of the acts of Abijam and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.
...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
The noted preacher Phillip Brooks was recovering from a life-threatening illness and refused all visitors so he could get needed rest. One day, Robert G. Ingersoll, the well known agnostic, called. The ailing minister received him at once. "I appreciate this very much," said Ingersoll, "but why do you see me when you deny yourself to your friends and other religious leaders?" "It is this way," said Brooks. "I feel confident of seeing my friends in the next world, but this may be my last chance of seeing you." (Holwick.com)
Do you know people heading the wrong way for eternity? Make sure you take time to provide a clear witness for God. When it comes to people who don’t know Christ, make sure you keep an open-door policy!
Point of Connection: Jesus Christ didn’t commit the gospel to an advertising agen...[more details]
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1 Kings 18-20
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1 Kings 18
Elijah's Word To Ahab
1After many days, the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, 'Go show yourself to Ahab. And I will send rain upon the earth.'
2So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the time without food was very hard in Samaria.
3And Ahab called Obadiah who was the boss over his house. (Now Obadiah had much fear of the Lord.
4For when Jezebel destroyed the men who spoke for the Lord, Obadiah took 100 of these men and hid them by fifties in a cave. And he fed them with bread and water.)
5Then Ahab said to Obadiah, 'Go through the land to all the wells of water and to all the valleys. It may be that we will find grass and keep the horses and donkeys alive, and not lose some of the animals.
6So they divided the land between them to pass through it. Ahab went one way by himself. And Obadiah went another way by himself.
7As Obadiah was on the way, Elijah met him. Obadiah knew who he was, and fell on his f...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6
Metallic sodium is an extremely unstable element that will actively join with other elements. Chlorine is a greenish gas that is caustic and poisonous. It is the active agent in liquid bleach and was used as a weapon of warfare in World War I. By themselves, both elements are harsh and even deadly. When combined together, they produce common table salt, a product used to preserve meats and season foods. (Steve Klipowicz)
Are you having problems with the chemistry of communications? Make sure you balance truth and love. Love without truth can be blind and join itself without discernment. Truth alone can be harsh and offensive, driving others away. When dealing with people, you need them both. So salt your speech with truth and love and watch others get thirsty for the Lord.
Point of Connection: It is not sufficient to know what one ought to say, but on...[more details]
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1 Kings 21-22
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1 Kings 21
Naboth Is Killed In His Grape-field
1Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a field of grape-vines in Jezreel beside the family of Ahab king of Samaria.
2Ahab said to Naboth, 'Give me your grape-field. I want it for a vegetable garden because it is near my house. I will give you a better field for it. Or I will pay for it with money, if you like.'
3But Naboth said to Ahab, 'May the Lord keep me from giving you what I have received from my fathers.'
4Ahab went into his house sad and angry because of Naboth the Jezreelite saying to him, 'I will not give you what I have received from my fathers.' And Ahab lay down on his bed and turned his face away and would not eat.
5His wife Jezebel came to him and said, 'Why is your spirit so troubled that you are not eating food?'
6He said to her, 'Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite. I said to him, 'Give me your grape-field for money. Or I will give you another field for it, if you like.' But he said, 'I wi...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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I am the light of the world. John 9:5
Entertainer Johnny Cash came to a crisis point in his life. Addicted to drugs, the singer decided to end his life in the depths of Tennessee’s Nickajack Caverns. Crawling far into the labyrinthine cave without provisions or light, Cash simply waited to die. In the darkness, Cash felt God’s presence and realized he wasn’t in charge of his own destiny. Deciding to live, Cash blindly crawled in search for a way out. Finally Cash felt a breeze on his back and followed it to the cave opening. Miraculously he made it out of the cave that had claimed the lives of so many others. From that day on, Cash was a changed man. (Chris Statton)
Are you struggling in the dark? Don’t give up hope. Jesus is the light of the world and can lead you out of your plight. Turn to Christ and ask Him to be your Savior. With Christ ahead of you, you’ll always be able to ‘walk the line.’
Point of Connection: Life with Christ is an endless hope; without Him it is a ho...[more details]
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2 Kings 1-3
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2 Kings 1
The Lord Speaks To Ahaziah
1Now Moab turned against Israel after the death of Ahab.
2Ahaziah fell through the window of his second room in Samaria, and lay sick. So he sent men with news, saying to them, 'Go and ask Baalzebub the god of Ekron if I will get well again from this sickness.'
3But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, 'Get up and go meet the men sent from the king of Samaria. Say to them, 'Are you going to ask Baal the god of Ekron because there is no God in Israel?'
4This is what the Lord says. 'You will not leave the bed on which you lie. You will die for sure.'' Then Elijah left.
5When the men returned to Ahaziah, he said to them, 'Why have you returned?'
6They said, 'A man came up to meet us. He said to us, 'Go and return to the king who sent you. Tell him, 'This is what the Lord says. 'Are you asking Baal the god of Ekron because there is no God in Israel? So you will not leave the bed on which you lie. You wil...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit. Ephesians 4:3-4
The great preacher, John Wesley, had a dream in which he was ushered to the gates of Hell. There he asked, "Are there any Presbyterians here?" "Yes" came the answer. Then he asked, "Are there any Baptists? Any Episcopalians? Any Methodists?" The answer was ‘yes’ each time. Much distressed, Wesley was then ushered to the gates of Heaven. There he asked the same question, and the answer was ‘no’. To this, Wesley asked, "Who then is inside?" The answer came back, "There are only Christians here." (Unknown)
Do you have trouble accepting people of other religious persuasions? Focus on all you have in common with others who love Jesus rather than the differences. Remember, Heaven is not an exclusive club!
Point of Connection: Though the Church has many critics, it has no rivals. (Anonymous)
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2 Kings 4-5
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2 Kings 4
Elisha And The Jar Of Oil
1Now the wife of the son of one of the men who tell what will happen in the future cried out to Elisha, 'Your servant, my husband, is dead. You know that your servant honored the Lord with fear. But the man to whom he owed money has come to take my two children to make them serve him.'
2Elisha said to her, 'What can I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?' And she said, 'Your woman servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.'
3Then he said, 'Go around and get jars from all your neighbors. Get empty jars, many of them.
4Then go in and shut the door behind II KINGS 2, 3 II KINGS 3, 4 you and your sons. Pour the oil into all these jars, and set aside each one that is full.'
5So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They took the jars to her, and she poured.
6When the jars were full, she said to her son, 'Bring me another jar.' And he said to her, 'There is not one jar lef...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3
Google’s Zeitgeist is an online resource that tracks the most commonly used Internet search terms every day. In its 2006 Year-End Google Zeitgeist report, the company listed the following as the ten most popularly searched items of the year (in descending order): 1. Paris Hilton 2. Orlando Bloom 3. Cancer 4. Podcasting 5. Hurricane Katrina 6. Bankruptcy 7. Martina Hingis 8. Autism 9. 2006 NFL Draft 10. "Celebrity Big Brother" (Brandon Larson)
If someone "googled" your primary interests this last week, what would they reflect? Make sure you keep your focus on the things of the Lord and not the vain things of earth. God wants you to be "hidden in Christ" and not lost in this world!
Point of Connection: A man of meditation is happy, not for an hour or a day, but quite round the circle of all his years. (Isaac Taylor)
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2 Kings 6-8
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2 Kings 6
The Ax Head That Was Not Lost
1Now the sons of the men who tell what will happen in the future said to Elisha, 'See, the place where we are living under your care is too small for us.
2Let us go to the Jordan and each of us cut down a tree there. And let us make a place for us to live there.' So Elisha said, 'Go.'
3Then one of them said, 'Be pleased to go with your servants.' And Elisha answered, 'I will go.'
4So he went with them. When they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.
5But as one of them was cutting a tree, the ax head fell into the water. The man cried out, 'It is bad, sir! The ax belongs to another man, and I was to return it.'
6The man of God said, 'Where did it fall?' And when he showed him the place, Elisha cut off a stick and threw it in, and the iron came to the top of the water.
7He said, 'Pick it up.' So his servant put out his hand and took it.
Syrian Army Loses The Battle
8Now the king of Syria wa...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
In 1848 a deadly cholera epidemic panicked London. Dr. John Snow, studying the deaths of 89 people in one week in a certain district of the city, discovered that all but two of these drank from the Broad Street well. Upon further investigation, the physician discovered that sewage was seeping into the well, contaminating it. When asked his advice in an emergency meeting of concerned leaders, Snow suggested, "Take the handle off the Broad Street pump." It was done and the epidemic in that quarter of the city ceased. (Ralph Wilson)
Is there sewage seeping into your heart? Guard carefully what you view and hear. The media and even innocent conversations can taint your attitudes and desires. Be on your alert before someone takes the handle off your pump!
Point of Connection: Sin is like poison ivy. It only takes a little contact to spread. (Unknown)
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2 Kings 9-11
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2 Kings 9
Jehu Is Chosen To Be King Of Israel
1Now Elisha the man of God called one of the sons of those who spoke for God. He said to him, 'Get ready to travel. Take this jar of oil and go to Ramoth.
2When you get there, find Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat son of Nimshi. Go in and have him come away from his brothers. Bring him into a room in the house.
3Then take the jar of oil and pour it on his head and say, 'The Lord says, 'I have chosen you to be the king of Israel.'' Then open the door and run. Do not wait.'
4So the young servant of the man of God went to Ramoth.
5When he came, he found the captains of the army sitting there. He said, 'I have something to tell you, O captain.' And Jehu said, 'Which one of us?' And he said, 'You, O captain.'
6So he got up and went into the house. He poured the oil on Jehu's head and said to him, 'The Lord, the God of Israel, says, 'I have chosen you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel.
7You are to...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever. Proverbs 27:23-24
Douglas MacArthur II, nephew of the famous WWII General, served in the state department when John Foster Dulles was Secretary of State. One evening, Mr. Dulles called MacArthur at his home. His wife answered the phone and angrily complained that her husband was not there, "MacArthur is where MacArthur always is, weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and nights—in that office!" Within minutes Dulles had MacArthur on the phone. He gave him this terse order: "Go home at once, Boy. Your home front is crumbling!" (Unknown)
Are you devoting too much time to your job? Although your career requires commitment, it should not be your top priority. Keep the Lord and your family first before you have to make a hasty retreat!
Point of Connection: Drive thy business, let not that drive thee. (Benjamin Franklin)
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2 Kings 12-14
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2 Kings 12
Joash Rules Judah
1In the seventh year of Jehu, Joash became king. He ruled for forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.
2Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all his days, because Jehoiada the religious leader taught him.
3But the high places were not taken away. The people still gave gifts and burned special perfume on the high places.
4Then Joash said to the religious leaders, 'All the money of the holy things brought into the house of the Lord, money for which each man istaxed, and money that is brought in because a man wants in his heart to bring it into the house of the Lord,
5the religious leaders may take this money. Each leader should take it from those whom he knows. And they should use it to build the house again in the places where it has been broken and destroyed.
6But by the twenty year of King Joash, the religious leaders had not put together the broken places of the house.
7So...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from me; nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. Mark 14:36 KJV
In Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s "A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich," the hero, Ivan, endures all the horrors of a Soviet prison camp. Starvation, isolation and brutal treatment were a daily reality. One day he was praying when a fellow prisoner ridiculed him, "Prayers won’t help you get out of here any faster." Opening his eyes, Ivan answered, "I do not pray to get out of prison but to do the will of God." (Our Daily Bread)
Are problems holding you captive and your prayers for escape aren’t answered? God has the power to get you out but He might have other things in mind. Ask first to do His will and trust Him in it. Faith will be the key to your prison door.
Point of Connection: Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from grace. (Thomas a Kempis)
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2 Kings 15-17
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2 Kings 15
Azariah Rules Judah
1In the twenty year of King Jeroboam of Israel, Azariah the son of Amaziah, king of Judah, began to rule.
2Azariah was sixteen years old when he became king. And he ruled for fifty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
3Azariah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done.
4But the high places were not taken away. The people still gave gifts and burned special perfume on the high places.
5So the Lord sent trouble upon the king. Azariah had a bad skin disease to the day of his death, and he lived in a house alone. Jotham the king's son ruled over the house, and judged the people of the land.
6Now the rest of the acts of Azariah are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah.
7Azariah died and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David. His son Jotham became king in his place.
Zechariah Rules Israel
8In the thirty...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. James 3:4-5
Engineers in Britain and the United States have devised a wheelchair that disabled people can steer using their tongues. Until now, quadriplegics have had to suck or blow into a straw, or move a computer cursor to guide the wheelchair; but this new tongue-guided device is easier and safer. (Turning Point)
Want to change direction in your life? Then start with your words. What you continually speak will ultimately set your path. Make sure what you say is what you want. Let your tongue guide the way.
Point of Connection: In actual life every great enterprise begins with and takes its first forward step in faith. (August Wilhelm von Schlegel)
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2 Kings 18-19
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2 Kings 18
Hezekiah Rules Judah
1In the third year of Hoshea the son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to rule.
2He was twenty years old when he became king. And he ruled for twenty years in II KINGS 17, 18 II KINGS 18 Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah.
3Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.
4He took away the high places. He broke down the holy pillars used in worship and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the brass snake that Moses had made. For until those days the people of Israel burned special perfume to it. It was called Nehushtan.
5Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah before him or after him.
6For he held to the Lord and did not stop following Him. He kept His Laws which the Lord had given Moses.
7And the Lord was with him. Hezekiah did well in ev...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:40
Yolanda busied herself getting ready for a blind date at an exclusive restaurant downtown. She spent the whole day preparing for the special night out by getting a manicure, a haircut and a stunning new dress. Yolanda was ready on time and looked fabulous, but her date did not show. After an hour, Yolanda thought she was stood up. She changed into her frumpy pajamas and sat eating junk food and watching TV. A short time later, her date arrived and said in exasperation, "I gave you an extra hour to prepare and you’re still not ready to go!" (D. Greg Ebie)
Are you ready for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb? The Lord has given His Church plenty of time to prepare, but He will be returning soon. Although it may seem like you’ve been waiting a while, keep "guzzied" up. This is one dinner party you don’t want to miss!
Point of Connection: Heaven is a prepared place for a prepare...[more details]
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2 Kings 20-22
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2 Kings 20
Hezekiah Will Live Fifteen Years Longer
1In those days Hezekiah became sick enough to die. The man of God, Isaiah the son of Amoz, came to him and said, 'This is what the Lord says, 'Get those of your house ready. For you will die. You will not get well again.'''
2Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying,
3'I beg You, O Lord, remember how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart. I have done what is good in Your eyes.' And Hezekiah cried much.
4Before Isaiah had gone out of the center room, the word of the Lord came to him, saying,
5'Return to Hezekiah the leader of My people. Tell him, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says, 'I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. See, I will heal you. On the third day you must go up to the house of the Lord.
6And I will add fifteen years to your life. I will save you and this city from the power of the king of Assyria. And I w...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. Galatians 6:1
In 1985, the City of New Orleans sponsored a special celebration to honor its municipal swimming program for having a perfect safety record – no one drowned in a public pool. Two hundred people showed up for that party; one hundred of them were certified life guards. They had a great time, but as the party broke up, life guards found a fully dressed body in the deep end of the pool. One of the guests, Jerome Moody, had drowned right in the midst of the celebration. (PreachingNow)
Is anyone drowning in your midst? Although people may seem well in your church, there may be some who are deeply struggling with sin and despair. Be alert and reach out to those who are floundering. You may be the one person keeping them from going down for the third time!
Point of Connection: Christianity demands a level of caring that transcends human inclinations. (Erwin Lutzer)
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2 Kings 23-25
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2 Kings 23
Josiah Brings Back True Worship
1Then King Josiah sent men out to bring to him all the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem.
2The king went up to the house of the Lord with all the men of Judah and all the people who lived in Jerusalem. The religious leaders, the men who speak for God, and all the people went with him, both small and great. And Josiah read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Law which was found in the house of the Lord.
3Then the king stood by the pillar. There he made an agreement before the Lord. He promised to follow the Lord and keep His Word and His Laws with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey the words of this agreement that were written in this book, and all the people joined him in the agreement.
4Then the king spoke to Hilkiah the head religious leader, and the religious leaders who were next in power, and the door. He told them to bring out of the Lord's house all the objects made for the false gods Baal and A...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them…but everything exposed by the light becomes visible. Ephesians 5:11,13
Kurt Stansell was a successful business man with a beautiful family and was a founding elder at his church. Kurt’s world collapsed when his secret world of sex addiction was uncovered. Kurt tried hard to conquer his lust by himself but continually relapsed. Eventually Kurt found an accountability partner named Stan who became the first step to victory. "When we Christians try to hide something in the darkness," Kurt later admitted, "we give Satan incredible license to work in our lives. So, the more open I could be, the less of a hold Satan seemed to have." (Bible Center.com)
Are you struggling with sin in the dark? Don’t let shame keep you fighting in the shadows. Become accountable to someone you can trust. Walk into the light of fellowship. It will be your first steps to freedom!
Point of Connection: The Church is not a gall...[more details]
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1 Chronicles 1-2
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1 Chronicles 1
Families From Adam To Abraham
1Adam, Seth, Enosh,
2Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,
3Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech,
4Noah and his sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
5The sons of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.
6The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Diphath, and Togarmah.
7The sons of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.
8The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.
9The sons of Cush were Seba, Havilah, Sabta, Raama, and Sabteca. And the sons of Raamah were Sheba and Dedan.
10Cush was the father of Nimrod. He began to be a powerful one on the earth.
11Mizraim was the father of the people of Lud, Anam, Lehab, Naphtuh,
12Pathrus, Casluh (where the Philistines came from), and Caphtor.
13Canaan was the father of Sidon his first-born, and Heth,
14and the Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites,
15Hivites, Arkites, Sinites,
16Arvadites, Zemarites...[more details]
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Daily Connection
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Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalm 107: 28-29
Judy was taking her first ocean cruise. While far out to sea, she was standing by the rail and noticed a mass of billowing clouds on the horizon. Nancy apprehensively watched shafts of lightning sizzle though the ominous clouds. Judy felt afraid. Just then the captain of the ship walked by and noticed the worried expression on his passenger’s face as she stared at the distant, black sky. "You are not worried about that storm are you," inquired the captain. "if you are, relax! It has already past and can’t do us any harm." (Elbourne’s Illustrations)
Are there storm clouds on the horizon of your life? Don’t be frightened or anxious. Preoccupation with things in the future can spoil your life today. Most things you fret about will never happen. Even if the storms do come, your Captain will pilot you th...[more details]
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