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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ Juror Number 8 The Bible in One Year: Leviticus 17–18; Matthew 27:27–50 Today's Bible Reading: Exodus 23:1–9 Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. Exodus 23:2 “One man is dead. Another man’s life is at stake,” says the judge somberly in the classic 1957 film 12 Angry Men. The evidence against the young suspect appears overwhelming. But during deliberations, it’s the brokenness of the jury that’s exposed. One of the twelve—juror number 8—votes “not guilty.” A heated debate ensues, in which the lone juror is mocked as he points out discrepancies in the testimony. Emotions escalate, and the jury members’ own murderous and prejudicial tendencies come to light. One by one, the jurors switch their votes to not guilty. When God gave His instructions to the new nation of Israel, He insisted on honest courage. “When you give testimony in a lawsuit,” God said, “do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd” (Exodus 23:2). Interestingly, the court was neither to “show favoritism to a poor person” (v. 3) nor to “deny justice to your poor people” (v. 6). God, the righteous judge, desires our integrity in all our proceedings. In 12 Angry Men, the second juror to vote "not guilty" said of the first, “It’s not easy to stand alone against the ridicule of others.” Yet that’s what God requires. Juror number 8 saw the real evidence, as well as the humanity of the individual on trial. With the gentle guidance of His Holy Spirit, we too can stand for God’s truth and speak for the powerless. —TIM GUSTAFSON What tempts you to go along with the crowd? Where is God calling you to stand for truth and justice? Father, help us show Your love to the world as we stand for Your truth. #JurorNumber8 #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #FollowJesus https://www.instagram.com/p/CosGGbWM5Jd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ Rejoicing Love The Bible in One Year: Leviticus 15–16; Matthew 27:1–26 Today's Bible Reading: Isaiah 62:1–5 As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5 Brendan and Katie beamed at each other. Looking at the pure joy on their faces, you would have never guessed the difficult ways so many of their wedding plans had been dramatically altered due to COVID-19 restrictions. Even with only twenty-five family members present, joy and peace radiated from the two as they said their vows because of their love for each other and expressed their gratefulness for God’s love sustaining them. The image of a bride and groom delighting over each other is the picture the prophet Isaiah painted to describe the type of delight and love God has for His people. In a beautifully poetic description of His promised deliverance, Isaiah reminded his readers that the salvation He offered them reflected the reality of living in a broken world—comfort for the brokenhearted, joy for those who mourn, and provision for the needs of His people (Isaiah 61:1–3). God offered help to His people because, just like a bride and groom celebrate their love for each other, “so will your God rejoice over you” (62:5). It's a remarkable truth that God delights in us and wants a relationship with us. Even when we struggle because of the effects of living in a broken world, we have a God who loves us, not begrudgingly, but with a rejoicing, lasting love that “endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). —LISA M. SAMRA What images remind you of God’s love? How does His rejoicing love bring you joy? Loving God, thank You for rejoicing over me in love. #Rejoicing #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #RejoiceInTheLord https://www.instagram.com/p/CopTLKxM3Ey/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ An Undeserved Gift The Bible in One Year: Leviticus 11–12; Matthew 26:1–25 Today's Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12–16 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15 When my friend gave me a gift recently, I was surprised. I didn’t think I deserved such a nice present from her. She’d sent it after hearing about some work stress I was experiencing. Yet she was going through just as much stress, if not more, than I was, with an aging parent, challenging children, upheaval at work, and strain on her marriage. I couldn’t believe she had thought of me before herself, and her simple gift brought me to tears. In truth, we’re all recipients of a gift that we could never deserve. Paul put it this way: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15). Although he “was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, . . . the grace of our Lord was poured out on [him] abundantly” (vv. 13–14). The risen Jesus gave Paul a deep understanding of the free gift of grace. As a result, he learned what it meant to be an undeserving recipient of that gift and he became a powerful instrument of God’s love and told many people about what He had done for him. It’s only through His grace that we receive love instead of condemnation, and mercy instead of judgment. Today, let’s celebrate the undeserved grace that God has given and be on the lookout for ways to demonstrate that grace to others. —KAREN PIMPO How have you lost sight of the miraculous gift of grace? What would it look like to be motivated by grace once again? Dear God, help me understand more fully what it means to extend Your gift of grace to others. #Undeserved #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #Forgiveness https://www.instagram.com/p/CohnmWEroaN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ Seeing Jesus The Bible in One Year: Leviticus 6–7; Matthew 25:1–30 Today's Bible Reading: John 14:1–11 Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. John 14:9 At four months old, Leo had never seen his parents. He’d been born with a rare condition that left his vision blurred. For him, it was like living in dense fog. But then eye doctors fit him with a special set of glasses. Leo’s father posted the video of Mom placing the new glasses over his eyes for the first time. We watch as Leo’s eyes slowly focus. A smile spreads wide across his face as he truly sees his mom for the first time. Priceless. In that moment, little Leo could see clearly. John reports a conversation Jesus had with His disciples. Philip asked Him, “Show us the Father” (John 14:8). Even after all this time together, Jesus’ disciples couldn’t recognize who was right in front of them. He replied, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?” (v. 10). Earlier Jesus had said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (v. 6). This is the sixth of Jesus’ seven “I am” statements. He’s telling us to look through these “I am” lenses and see who He truly is—God Himself. We’re a lot like the disciples. In difficult times, we struggle and develop blurred vision. We fail to focus on what God has done and can do. When little Leo put on the special glasses, he could see his parents clearly. Perhaps we need to put on our God-glasses so we can clearly see who Jesus really is. —KENNETH PETERSEN What are some ways in which your vision of Jesus may have become cloudy? How can you look to Him again with clear vision? Jesus, please help me turn my eyes on You. Show me clearly Your path for me. #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #GodHelpMe #SeeingJesus https://www.instagram.com/p/CodsAj2szR2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ God’s Arms Are Open The Bible in One Year: Leviticus 4–5; Matthew 24:29–51 Today's Bible Reading: 1 John 1:5–10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins. 1 John 1:9 I frowned at my cellphone and sighed. Worry wrinkled my brow. A friend and I had had a serious disagreement over an issue with our children, and I knew I needed to call her and apologize. I didn’t want to do it because our viewpoints were still in conflict, yet I knew I hadn’t been kind or humble the last time we discussed the matter. Anticipating the phone call, I wondered, What if she doesn’t forgive me? What if she doesn’t want to continue our friendship? Just then, lyrics to a song came to mind and took me back to the moment when I confessed my sin in the situation to God. I felt relief because I knew God had forgiven me and released me from guilt. We can’t control how people will respond to us when we try to work out relational problems. As long as we own up to our part, humbly ask for forgiveness, and make any changes needed, we can let God handle the healing. Even if we have to endure the pain of unresolved “people problems,” peace with Him is always possible. God’s arms are open, and He is waiting to show us the grace and mercy we need. “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). —JENNIFER BENSON SCHULDT How does forgiveness create peace? What steps will you take in God's power toward reconciliation with someone this week? Dear God, remind me of Your unending grace. Help me to be more humble and to commit all my relationships to You. #WithOpenArms #OpenArms #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood https://www.instagram.com/p/CoZvjBaL5_U/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ The Good Shepherd The Bible in One Year: Leviticus 1–3; Matthew 24:1–28 Today's Bible Reading: Ezekiel 34:11–16 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock . . . , so will I look after my sheep. Ezekiel 34:12 When Pastor Warren heard that a man in his church had deserted his wife and family, he asked God to help him meet the man as if by accident so they could chat. And He did! When Warren walked into a restaurant, he spotted the gentleman in a nearby booth. “Got some room for another hungry man?” he asked, and soon they were sharing deeply and praying together. As a pastor, Warren was acting as a shepherd for those in his church community, even as God through the prophet Ezekiel said He would tend His flock. God promised to look after His scattered sheep, rescuing them and gathering them together (Ezekiel 34:12–13). He would “tend them in a good pasture” and “search for the lost and bring back the strays”; He would “bind up the injured and strengthen the weak” (vv. 14–16). God’s love for His people reverberates through each of these images. Though Ezekiel’s words anticipate God’s future actions, they reflect the eternal heart of the God and Shepherd who would one day reveal Himself in Jesus. No matter our situation, God reaches out to each of us, seeking to rescue us and sheltering us in a rich pasture. He longs for us to follow the Good Shepherd, He who lays down His life for His sheep (see John 10:14–15). —AMY BOUCHER PYE How does Jesus, the Good Shepherd, care for you? How could you offer Him any wounds that need tending or weakness you’d like strengthened? Dear God, You love me even when I go astray and wander. Help me to stay always in Your sheepfold, that I might receive Your love and care. #TheGoodSheperd #GoodSheperd #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #TheLordSheltersMe https://www.instagram.com/p/CoXOKHUri8V/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ The Loneliest Man The Bible in One Year: Exodus 39–40; Matthew 23:23–39 Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 39:11–22 While Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness. Genesis 39:20–21 On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped out of their lunar landing module and became the first humans to walk on the surface of the moon. But we don’t often think about the third person on their team, Michael Collins, who was flying the command module for Apollo 11. After his teammates clambered down the ladder to test the lunar surface, Collins waited alone on the far side of the moon. He was out of touch with Neil, Buzz, and everyone on earth. NASA’s mission control commented, “Not since Adam has any human known such solitude as Mike Collins.” There are times when we feel completely alone. Imagine, for instance, how Joseph, Jacob’s son, felt when he was taken from Israel to Egypt after his brothers sold him (Genesis 37:23–28). Then he was thrust into further isolation by being thrown in prison on false charges (39:19–20). How did Joseph survive in prison in a foreign land with no family anywhere nearby? Listen to this: “While Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him” (vv. 20–21). Four times we’re reminded of this comforting truth in Genesis 39. Do you feel alone or isolated from others? Hold on to the truth of God’s presence, promised by Jesus Himself: “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). With Jesus as your Savior, you’re never alone. —DAVE BRANON When do you feel most alone? How does God remind you that He’s with you in your times of isolation? Dear heavenly Father, please help me know, as You’ve promised in the Scriptures, that You’re with me as You were with Joseph. #TheLoneliestMan #Lonely #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #NeverForsaken https://www.instagram.com/p/CoUx79froM2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ I Can Only Imagine The Bible in One Year: Exodus 36–38; Matthew 23:1–22 Today's Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1–10 The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7 I settled into the church pew behind a woman as the worship team began playing “I Can Only Imagine.” Raising my hands, I praised God as the woman’s sweet soprano voice harmonized with mine. After telling me about her health struggles, we decided to pray together during her upcoming cancer treatments. A few months later, Louise told me she feared dying. Leaning onto her hospital bed, I rested my head next to hers, whispered a prayer, and quietly sang our song. I can only imagine what it was like for Louise when she worshiped Jesus face-to-face just a few days later. The apostle Paul offered comforting assurance for his readers who were facing death (2 Corinthians 5:1). The suffering experienced on this side of eternity may cause groaning, but our hope remains anchored to our heavenly dwelling—our eternal existence with Jesus (vv. 2–4). Though God designed us to yearn for everlasting life with Him (vv. 5–6), His promises are meant to impact the way we live for Him now (vv. 7–10). As we live to please Jesus while waiting for Him to return or call us home, we can rejoice in the peace of His constant presence. What will we experience the moment we leave our earthly bodies and join Jesus in eternity? We can only imagine! —XOCHITL DIXON When have you been worried about or discouraged by facing death or losing a loved one? How does God's promise of everlasting life encourage you? Loving God, thank You for promising to be with me on earth and for all eternity. #ICanOnlyImagine #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #GodWithMe #OnHeavenAsItIsOnEarth https://www.instagram.com/p/CoR-pFtu12p/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ What’s Your Name? The Bible in One Year: Exodus 34–35; Matthew 22:23–46 Today's Bible Reading: Ruth 1:3–8, 15–21 Don’t call me Naomi. . . . Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. Ruth 1:20 Jen remarried after her first husband died. The children of her new husband never accepted her, and now that he’s passed away too, they hate her for remaining in their childhood home. Her husband left a modest sum to provide for her; his kids say she’s stealing their inheritance. Jen is understandably discouraged, and she’s grown bitter. Naomi’s husband moved the family to Moab, where he and their two sons died. Years later, Naomi returned to Bethlehem empty-handed, except for her daughter-in-law Ruth. The town was stirred and asked, “Can this be Naomi?” (Ruth 1:19). She said they shouldn’t use that name, which means “my pleasant one.” They should call her “Mara,” which means “bitter,” because “I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty” (vv. 20–21). Is there a chance your name is Bitter? You’ve been disappointed by friends, family, or declining health. You deserved better. But you didn’t get it. Now you’re bitter. Naomi came back to Bethlehem bitter, but she came back. You can come home too. Come to Jesus, the descendant of Ruth, born in Bethlehem. Rest in His love. In time, God replaced Naomi’s bitterness with the joyful fulfillment of His perfect plan (4:13–22). He can replace your bitterness too. Come home to Him. —MIKE WITTMER What name describes you? What does it mean for you to live out the name that describes who you are in Jesus? Father, I’m coming home to find my rest in Your Son. #WhatsYourName #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #Bitterness https://www.instagram.com/p/CoQpFr7soQ4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ We Are Strangers The Bible in One Year: Exodus 31–33; Matthew 22:1–22 Today's Bible Reading: Leviticus 19:32–37 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Leviticus 19:34 Everything felt drastically different in their new country—new language, schools, customs, traffic, and weather. They wondered how they would ever adjust. People from a nearby church gathered around them to help them in their new life in a new land. Patti took the couple shopping at a local food market to show them what’s available and how to purchase items. As they wandered around the market, their eyes widened and they smiled broadly when they saw their favorite fruit from their homeland—pomegranates. They bought one for each of their children and even placed one in Patti’s hands in gratefulness. The small fruit and new friends brought big comfort in their strange, new land. God, through Moses, gave a list of laws for His people, which included a command to treat foreigners among them “as your native-born” (Leviticus 19:34). “Love them as yourself,” God further commanded. Jesus called this the second greatest commandment after loving God (Matthew 22:39). For even God “watches over the foreigner” (Psalm 146:9). Besides obeying God as we help new friends adapt to life in our country, we may be reminded that we too in a real sense are “strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13). And we’ll grow in our anticipation of the new heavenly land to come. —ANNE CETAS Who might God want you to look after? In what ways has He gifted you to spread His love to others? Compassionate God, I understand a little what it feels like to be a stranger in this world. Lead me to be an encourager of other foreigners and strangers. #WeAreStrangers #Strangers #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #HelpMe https://www.instagram.com/p/CoM-yYQrX59/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ Like Our Great Teacher The Bible in One Year: Exodus 29–30; Matthew 21:23–46 Today's Bible Reading: Luke 6:37–42 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher. Luke 6:40 In a viral video, a three-year-old white belt karate student imitated her instructor. With passion and conviction the little girl said the student creed with her leader. Then, with poise and attentiveness, the little ball of cuteness and energy imitated everything her teacher said and did—at least she did a pretty good job! Jesus once said, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40). He told His disciples that to imitate Him included being generous, loving, nonjudgmental (vv. 37–38), and discerning about whom they followed: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (v. 39). His disciples needed to discern that this standard disqualified the Pharisees who were blind guides—leading people to disaster (Matthew 15:14). And they needed to grasp the importance of following their Teacher. Thus, the aim of Christ’s disciples was to become like Jesus Himself. So it was important for them to pay careful attention to Christ’s instruction about generosity and love and apply it. As believers striving to imitate Jesus today, let’s give our lives over to our Master Teacher so we can become like Him in knowledge, wisdom, and behavior. He alone can help us reflect His generous, loving ways. —MARVIN WILLIAMS What parts of Jesus’ life are you seeking to imitate these days? When is it most difficult for you to imitate Christ, the Master Teacher? Jesus, my Great Teacher, help my discipline and attentiveness to be worthy of You! #OurGreatTeacher #GreatTeacher #Teacher #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #JesusHelpMe https://www.instagram.com/p/CoKZ6_FsM4I/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ Blessing in the Tears The Bible in One Year: Exodus 27–28; Matthew 21:1–22 Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1–12 Blessed are those who mourn. Matthew 5:4 I received an email from a young man in England, a son who explained that his father (only sixty-three) was in the hospital in critical condition, hanging on to life. Though we’d never met, his dad’s work and mine shared many intersections. The son, trying to cheer his father, asked me to send a video message of encouragement and prayer. Deeply moved, I recorded a short message and a prayer for healing. I was told that his dad watched the video and gave a hearty thumbs-up. Sadly, a couple days later, I received another email telling me that he had died. He held his wife’s hand as he took his final breath. My heart broke. Such love, such devastation. The family lost a husband and father far too soon. Yet it’s surprising to hear Jesus insist that it’s precisely these grieving ones who are blessed: “Blessed are those who mourn,” Jesus says (Matthew 5:4). Jesus isn’t saying suffering and sorrow are good, but rather that God’s mercy and kindness pour over those who need it most. Those overcome by grief due to death or even their own sinfulness are most in need of God’s attention and consolation—and Jesus promises us “they will be comforted” (v. 4). God steps toward us, His loved children (v. 9). He blesses us in our tears. —WINN COLLIER What places do you encounter sorrow in your story and in others’ stories? How does Jesus’ promise of blessing alter how you view this grief? Dear God, when I'm awash in grief and sorrow, please help me to experience Your blessing even in the tears. #BlessingInTears #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #BlessedArtThoseWhoMourn https://www.instagram.com/p/CoHyFU7LSkS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ Sustainer of Blessings The Bible in One Year: Exodus 25–26; Matthew 20:17–34 Today's Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 8:10–18 Remember the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 8:18 On January 15, 1919, a huge molasses tank burst in Boston. A fifteen-foot wave of more than two million gallons of molasses careened through the street at over 30 mph, sweeping away railcars, buildings, people, and animals. Molasses might seem harmless enough, but that day it was deadly: 21 people lost their lives with more than 150 injured. Sometimes even good things—like molasses—can overwhelm us unexpectedly. Before the Israelites entered the land God promised them, Moses warned the people to be careful not to take credit for the good things they’d receive: “When you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase . . . , then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God.” They weren’t to attribute this wealth to their own strength or capabilities. Instead, Moses said, “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:12–14, 17–18). All good things—including physical health and the skills needed to earn a living—are blessings from the hand of our loving God. Even when we’ve worked hard, it’s He who sustains us. Oh, to hold our blessings with open hands, that we may gratefully praise God for His kindness to us! —JAMES BANKS What kindnesses from God are you thankful for today? Who can you help with a blessing you’ve received? Thank You, Father, for sustaining me every moment. Please help me to recognize Your kindness, so I may share it with others. #Sustainer #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood https://www.instagram.com/p/CoFN2DEr79b/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ Running on Empty The Bible in One Year: Exodus 23–24; Matthew 20:1–16 Today's Bible Reading: Isaiah 40:28–31 They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 “I just don’t think I can do this anymore,” my friend said through her tears as she discussed the overwhelming sense of hopelessness she faced as a nurse in a global health crisis. “I know that God has called me to nursing, but I’m overwhelmed and emotionally drained,” she confessed. Seeing that a cloud of exhaustion had come over her, I responded, “I know you feel helpless right now, but ask God to give you the direction you’re seeking and the strength to persevere.” At that moment, she decided to intentionally seek God through prayer. Soon after, my friend was invigorated with a new sense of purpose. Not only was she emboldened to continue nursing, but God also gave her the strength to serve even more people by traveling to hospitals around the country. As believers in Jesus, we can always look to God for help and encouragement when we feel overburdened because “He will not grow tired or weary” (Isaiah 40:28). The prophet Isaiah states that our Father in heaven “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (v. 29). Though God’s strength is everlasting, He knows that we’ll inevitably have days when we’re physically and emotionally consumed (v. 30). But when we look to God for our strength instead of trying to sprint through life’s challenges alone, He’ll restore and renew us and give us the resolve to press on in faith. —KIMYA LODER When have you tried to handle overwhelming situations alone? How might you look to God for help? Dear God, thank You for helping me when the challenges of life seem unbearable. #OnE #RunningOnEmpty #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #RenewMyStrength https://www.instagram.com/p/CoCpcjpMYnW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ Seven Minutes of Terror The Bible in One Year: Exodus 21–22; Matthew 19 Today's Bible Reading: John 11:38–43 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 When the Mars rover Perseverance landed on that red planet on February 18, 2021, those monitoring its arrival endured “seven minutes of terror.” As the spacecraft ended its 292-million-mile journey, it went through a complex landing procedure it had to do on its own. Signals from Mars to Earth take several minutes, so NASA couldn’t hear from Perseverance during the landing. Not being in contact was frightening for the team who had put so much effort and resources into the mission. Sometimes we may experience our own times of fear when we feel we’re not hearing from God—we pray but we don’t get answers. In Scripture, we find people getting answers to prayer quickly (see Daniel 9:20–23) and those not getting answers for a long time (see Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1:10–20). Perhaps the most poignant example of a delayed answer—one that surely struck terror in the hearts of Mary and Martha—was when they asked Jesus to help their sick brother Lazarus (John 11:3). Jesus delayed, and their brother died (vv. 6–7, 14–15). Yet four days later, Christ answered by resurrecting Lazarus (vv. 43–44). Waiting for answers to our prayers can be difficult. But God can comfort and help as we “approach [His] throne of grace with confidence, . . . [that] we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). —DAVE BRANON What are you praying for, but the answer doesn’t seem to be coming? How can God increase your faith as you wait on Him? Loving God, You know what’s on my heart. Please help me trust You as I await Your answer. #iWillWaitOnYou #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood https://www.instagram.com/p/CoCov1HM3kk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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#Repost @ourdailybread with @use.repost ・・・ The Pink Coat The Bible in One Year: Exodus 19–20; Matthew 18:21–35 Today's Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6–9 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give . . . for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Brenda was walking toward the mall exit when a flush of pink from a display window caught her eye. She turned and stood spellbound before a “cotton-candy-colored coat.” Oh, how Holly would love it! Finances had been tight for her coworker friend who was a single mother, and while Brenda knew Holly needed a warm coat, she was also confident that her friend would never lay down cash on such a purchase for herself. After wavering ever so slightly, Brenda smiled, reached for her wallet, and arranged for the coat to be shipped to Holly’s home. She added an anonymous card, “You are so very loved.” Brenda practically danced to her car. Joy is a by-product of God-nudged giving. As Paul instructed the Corinthians in the art of generosity, he said, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). He also noted, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (v. 6). Sometimes we slip cash into the offering plate. At other times we donate online to a worthy ministry. And then there are moments when God leads us to respond to the need of a friend with a tangible expression of His love. We offer a bag of groceries, a tank of gas . . . or even the gift of a perfectly pink coat. —ELISA MORGAN Who might you show God’s love to today? How can your generosity bubble up in joy as a return gift to you? Loving Father, You gave me the gift of Your Son, and so I want to give to others. May I respond to Your gentle nudge to meet the needs of another. #Pink #PinkCoat #OurDailyBread #DailyDevotional #VerseOfTheDay #FollowGod #JesusIsKing #DailyDevotionals #DailyBibleVerse #TheGospel #Bible #DailyQuotes #DailyInspiration #DailyDevotion #DailyScripture #DevotionTime #DevotionOfTheDay #ChristianWalk #PraiseGod #JesusLord #GodIsGood #Compassion #Compassionate https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn9XIRVuNnC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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canuckster · 1 year

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“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.19.NIV #verseoftheday #dailydevotional #thebible https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn62t57LPd2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#verseoftheday #dailydevotional #thebible

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