Daily Devotional Free

  It's easier to do things yourself than to train others, yet Jesus poured Himself into a dozen disciples through whom His work would reach the world. In the midst of the pressing need of people clamoring to be healed, He climbed a mountain where "He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out" (Mark 3:14)". One of the snowboarders in Colorado said of her discipleship training: "I've never been able to build relationships with family or friends; I've kept them at arm's length. God's love was shown to me. It opened me to reach out to people". Experiencing Jesus' love and being in company with Him and His followers, we find courage to act and speak in ways that honor our Lord. Witnessing isn't a job to be done but a life to be lived. Let us go forth, as called of God, redeemed by Jesus' precious blood. Let us show His love, live like His life, speak the Message and give mercy to others.

  Dear Lord, You are an almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought me to the beginning of this day. I give You thanks for all the blessings in my life. In Your grace and mercy, may we know that you watch over us. Give me wisdom each day to see which things are important, and which things are not. Show me the best time on how to use the talents that you have given me. Help me to use all my opportunities wisely, that I may share the good gifts I have received from you. Help me to be a good steward of yours. Help me to spread Your love more and more to the people around me. We receive this gift of salvation that you gave long ago that comes from You. We love You, Lord. Amen.

  In the Old Testament, they have this concept of the cities of refuge. Cities of refuge (Num. 35:6) were established to be a safe haven for people who had accidentally killed someone and were needing protection. God had the people establish such cities to provide that refuge. This concept, however, was not intended to be simply a practice for ancient Israel. More than that, cities of refuge reflected the heart of God for all people. He Himself longs to be our safe haven and our city of refuge in the failures, heartaches, and losses of life. Psalm 5:16-17 says, "I will sing of Your power. Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, my God of mercy." For the hurting heart of every generation, our "city of refuge" is not a place. Our city of refuge is a Person - the God who loves us with an everlasting love. May we find our refu...

  Dear God,  may I trust You that I am exactly where I am meant to be. May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May I use those gifts that I have received, and pass on the love that has been given to me. May I be confident knowing I am a child of God. Let this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. Let peace rule my heart this week. Let Your words be planted deeply in my mind and heart. Help me not to walk away and forget it, but to meditate on it and obey it and so built my life on the rock of your truth. This I pray in Christ's name. Amen

  February 19, 1942 was a fascinating day for Canada. It was "If Day" - a World War II staging of a fake Nazi invasion of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The intent was to show what it would be like "if" Canada fell under the harsh occupation of Nazi forces, and so that Canadians would support the war effort more fully. As one person described the event: "If Day brought home the reality of Nazi occupation. Manitobans got a very bitter taste of nearly every aspect of Nazi brutality". The key word there is nearly. While "If Day" was a valiant attempt to educate people about danger in the world, it could not begin to recreate the actual suffering that was sweeping Europe. Real trials in life are not ifs - they are whens. In fact life's most profound lessons cannot simply be observed, they must be experienced. It is there, in actual seasons of heartache and loss, that we gain greater insights into life, faith, and our need of God. To that end, James wrote, ...

  Dear Heavenly Father, I think you for this day, when your holy priesthood gathers around the world to celebrate your victory over death, in the resurrection of our Savior, Christ Jesus. Help me always to keep in mind that the Sabbath was made for men, and that your commandment to keep one day holy, not to work and not to suffer others to work, was made for our benefit. Keep me from the temptation of adding to my worldly wealth on this day, for all wisdom is yours, and you have commanded us to make this a day of rest and worship. Open my eyes, gracious Lord, as I turn to your word. I long to know you, to understand life, and to be changed. Examine me, Lord, by the floodlight of your truth. May I go in peace, with God and with his other children. And, may we love one another as Christ taught us. May I follow the example of good men of old, and may God comfort and help me and all who believe in Him, both in this world and in the world which is to come. Amen

  To some people, the term helper carries with it second-class connotations. Classroom helpers assist trained teachers in their classes. Helpers assist trained electricians, plumbers, and lawyers on the job. Because they aren't as skilled in the profession, they might be viewed as having less value. But everyone is needed to accomplish the task. The apostle Paul had many helpers in his work of ministry. He listed them in his letter to Rome (Rom. 16). He made special reference to Phoebe, who "has been a helper of many and of myself also" (v. 2). Priscilla and Aquila risked their own lives for Paul (vv. 3-4). And Mary, Paul said, "labored much for us" (v. 6). Helping is a spiritual gift, according to 1 Corinthians 12:28. Paul listed it among the gifts from the Holy Spirit that are given to believers in Christ's body, the church. The gift of "helps" is just as needed as the others that are listed. Even the Holy Spirit is called a "Helper". J...