Our Daily Devo

1 Corinthians 4:3-4

"As for myself, I do not care if I am judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I know of nowrong I have done, but this does not make me right before the Lord. The Lord is the One who judges me"

We need not think about what this world thinks of us. This world is not our judgement. The thoughts of others towards us does not matter and we should not waste our precious time worrying over such things. As followers of Jesus, we should seek to fulfill the purposes God has in store for us and we should do confidently and courageously as He did.

John 15:16

"You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit, and so that your fruit would last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you"

If you have found your God given calling then pursue it with passion and be fulfilled with God's everlasting fruit. But if you have not yet, keep searching, keep praying until you discover it. And remember this: God has important work for ou o do - work that no one else on this earth can accomplish but you.

2 Timothy 1:7

"God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible"

When Paul wrote Timothy , he reminded his young protege that the Gody they served was a bold God, and His spirit empowered them with that same boldness and courage. Like Timothy, we face time of uncertainty and fear but God's message to us today is the same as it was to Timothy long ago: We can live boldly and with courage to share the God given gifts we have been given, because the spirit of our bold Father resides within us.

1 Peter 4:8

"Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins"

There is no doubt that we are an imperfect people so naturally we offend, insult, and hurt one another from time to time. Sometimes intentionally and other times by mistake. Perhaps this is the "cost" of living but in Jesus's words, "love" is the ultimate commandment of Our Father. And as Peter tells us today, when we love one another, and show that love to each other, it brings about the forgiveness of many sins. So may we go forth and live the Christ-like lives our Father intends, embedded in love, like Jesus did. When we do our relational "accounts" will be full and those natural offenses we make are easily forgiven.

2 Corinthians 12:10

"Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks, I just let Christ take over! And so, the weaker I get, the stronger I become!"

Even in the most turbulent and trying times of our lives we can grow in strength. This is often when our character is built. when we rise above the clouds of the moment, when we partner with Our Heavenly Father, when we trust in Him, and rely on His strength, we can rise above. We can focus forward to our true destination and not let limitations hold us back.

Genesis 18:14

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

As we consider the uncertainties of our personal futures we are often confronted with a powerful temptation to "play it safe". Unwilling to trust God completely we take half-steps when He intends for us to make giant leaps. So today ask Him for the courage to step beyond the boundaries of your doubts. Ask him to guide you to a place where you feed from the fear of failure. Ask Him to do His part and promise Him that you will do yours. Don't ask Him to lead you to a "safe" place be rather ask Him to lead you to the "right" place according to His plan.

1 Chronicles 5:20

"God answered thier prayers because they trusted him."

Our Heavenly Father doesn't always answer our prayers as we wish or within in our desired time frames. Nonetheless He calls us to communicate with him and to trust Him. Through the good and through the not-so good. He answers prayers not only according to our wishes but also according to His master plan. We cannot know that plan but we can know the Planner and trust His wisdom, and His love.

Galationas 1:10

"Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, god is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ"

We are often pressured into conformity into our present day society. But God's wishes are of a different kind. He seeks to mold us into new beings, Christ followers. It is a difficult contrast to overcome but He gives us guidance, support, and strength to overcome the pressures of this modern day....if we chose to do so.

1 John 2:17

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God, lives forever"

At the end of our lives we will stand before our Heavenly Father. He will not judge us based on our world worth but rather the investments we've made with the time we've been given. When we do the work of Our Father, when we create, and use the gifts He has given us, according to His desires, when we build His kingdom here on earth, we will be granted entrance and partake fully of His retirement plan. The plan most secure, with the highest return, that never runs out.

Proverbs 17:22

" A happy heart is like good medicine"

Sometimes we forget to take our medicine when we are surrounded by so much sorrow. Instead of viewing our world with a mixture of optimism and humor, we allow worries and distractions to rob us of the joy that God intends for our lives. So today, as we go about our daily lives, may we approach it with a smile. After all, God created happiness and joy for a reason. May we choose that posture, even in the face of darkness. May we be joyful and let others see the light and the love of God within us.