Daily Devotional

[Ronnie W. Stark]

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." (NIV) ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10 )

With so much going on in our lives today, the "unwillingness to work" doesn't appear applicable. If anything, we work way too much. However, being busy versus working on God's plan for you are two very different things. Are you willing to work on God's plan for you? There's more to His plan than just paying the bills. If you strive to work hard using the special talents He gave you, your work will be more effortless and purposeful.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." (NIV) ( Isaiah 6:3 )

Today is a day of remembering our blessings and giving thanks for all we have. If you have a hard time thinking of blessings in this world, there are many around you. God's unending love for you and another day on this earth are but a few of our blessings. Don't forget that we need to give praise and glory to God for all we are blessed with. He is the ultimate source.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) ( Romans 8:28 )

God is masterful in weaving events together for His glory, even if it is painful, challenging, or traumatic. When your world comes crashing down, keep your faith focused on God. He will not fail you. When your attention is focused on a solid rock, your perspective changes and the rest moves into your peripheral view. How can you stay focused on God when all else fails? Plant yourself in God's word. Be persistent in prayer. Confide in an accountability partner who is mature in their faith.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (NIV) ( Matthew 5:5 )

How differently would our world look if it were run by humble people? Would war even exist? What would the workplace look like? Being meek in this world is very difficult to do, especially when it is not valued. But God values this characteristic and it is vital in His kingdom. He values it so much He would entrust the earth to those who are humble.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." (NIV) ( Exodus 4:10 )

In a culture that promotes extroversion, people who are introverted can get drowned out. If you are an introvert, remember that you have special abilities such as listening, creativity, compassion and a peacefulness that spreads to others. Like Moses, you can be a great leader too. Seek God in your quiet time and allow Him to use your unique talents to do His will.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." (NIV) ( Job 42:6 )

Have you felt a need lately for God's forgiveness? We go through life striving and pretending to be exceptional at parenting, loving, or anything else. But when we don't measure up, we make excuses and quickly brush it under the rug for no one to see. Through those actions we refuse to recognize any need for God to strengthen us. Instead, let's ask God to forgive us of our pride and arrogance from ignoring our dependence on God.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (NIV) ( Hebrews 12:15 )

It's always so difficult to see bitterness when you are feeling it, yet so easy to see in other people. Bitterness truly is a root that grows deep if you allow and the poison seeps everywhere. It even spills out to others around you, if you aren't careful. Search your heart earnestly. When you identify a thorny root, pray for the person who is the source of bitterness and allow God to do His work. It's not fun being consumed by poison.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (NIV) ( Psalm 118:1 )

We all have gone through lost or broken relationships. Those experiences may sometimes make us feel that there's no hope for a long-lasting enduring love in this world. As hard as it may seem to imagine especially when we're so focused on our earthly relationships, just remember that God does love you unconditionally. Don't give up on hope in love and have faith in God.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV) ( Ephesians 2:9-10 )

The majority of things in life we work hard to earn: a living, an education, trust, respect, etc. But, opposite to the ways of this world, God doesn't ask us to work for His love. There is nothing we can even do to earn God's love. It is by grace alone that He loves us.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? (NIV) ( 1 Corinthians 3:16 )

It's important to take care of your body. When the body of Christ needs your help we should be ready, willing, and ABLE. If we are too tired, unhealthy, or weak we will miss being a part of the movement of our community and local church. There are times when it's important for us to step up and help friends move homes or cook meals after surgeries. While nurturing your health may not directly minister to others, it does allow you to be ready to lend a hand to someone in need which reveals the character of Christ.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV) ( James 5:16 )

Thinking about confession can bring up emotions prompting you to run away. Try to overcome them. Confession is an uncomfortable action, but is important to the path of healing. When we hide our sins, it only makes things worse. Instead, bring them into the light by sharing your sins. Start today.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

The LORD said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes." (NIV) ( Hosea 3:1 )

Sometimes we forget how much God really loves us and He is constantly reminding us of this. Similarly, God constantly had to remind Israel of His love, but soon thereafter they would end up worshiping false gods of other nations. When you allow outside influences and distractions to come in, you easily take your focus off of God. God will do anything to bring your attention back to Him, because of His love for you.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (NIV) ( 2 Timothy 3:12 )

As hard as it may be, this truth is something we will encounter in our lives. We will suffer persecution because we believe in justice and standing up for our belief in Jesus. This means we will be criticized for our faith. What can we do to strengthen our faith now so that later when we encounter persecution we are ready? Staying connected in the Bible daily and constantly talking to God.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (NIV) ( Ephesians 5:18 )

What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? It's allowing yourself to be led by God and being filled with His love and grace. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit you express love to others which is uncharacteristic to you. A time will come today when you are angered or frustrated, but instead of reacting, allow yourself to be filled with the Holy Spirit and respond with love and grace.
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[Ronnie W. Stark]

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (NIV) ( 1 Peter 4:10 )

Have you experienced a renewed mind after listening to a talented musician who sings songs to glorify God? Life on this earth can be rough, fortunately, God has equipped each of us with talent. Let's remember to use our gifts to strengthen others. If you are unsure of your talent, take a spiritual gifts inventory. For those of us who know our gifts, let's seek out and build up others, serving them with our gifts.
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