Daily Devotional – September 29

OFFENDED!

I was once in despair because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.

Then I though, “Hey, maybe he has a pair of shoes to spare!”

People who read the above statement, (I believe it was Stephen Wright who first made this joke in a comedy routine), usually react two different ways. The first group will either chuckle and recognize the joke for what its worth, fully understanding the intent of the one telling it–not taking OR giving offense.

The secondgroup will often feign offence and start a lecture about making fun of those less fortunate, etc., and in the process of “righting the wrong and punishing the evil-doer!” will not hesitate to offend the offender.

If you find yourself in the second group Romans 14 is your reading assignment for the weekend.

Test

[odeo=http://odeo.com/audio/93256/play/channel/newer]

Daily Devotional – September 28

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

If one were to jump into the Bible and start swimming to the bottom it is doubtful that, in this life, they would ever see the bottom–much less reach it. Aren’t you just a little curious about what swims in some of those mysterious depths?

For instance, did you realize

• that adultery has absolutely nothing to do with sex?
• that Judas, a disciple of Jesus who committed suicide for the betrayal of him, was present when Jesus told the twelve that they would one day be sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Judas sitting on a throne judging Israel in the future?
• that it’s possible that there may be millions of years between verse 1 and 2 of Genesis 1:1?
• that Einstein may have discovered God when he came up with his Theory of Relativity (E=MC2)?
• that when Jesus was resurrected he may not have had blood?
• that the Bible may predict the ultimate clash between church and state–on a global scale?
• that we may not actually be created in God’s image?
• that God didn’t create light on the first day?

Climb into your diving suit and discover the wondrous universe called “The Bible”

 Psalms 119:162. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

Daily Devotional – September 27

 TAG!

I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult. I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year-old again.

• I want to go to McDonald’s and think that it’s a four star restaurant.
• I want to think M&Ms are better than money because you can eat them.
• I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer’s day.
• I want to believe that anything is possible.
• I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again.
• I want to live simple again. I don’t want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills and gossip.
• I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, imagination, and an incorruptible Superman. 

So, here’s my checkbook and my car-keys, my credit card and resultant bills and my 401K statements. I am officially resigning from adulthood. And if you want to discuss this further, you’ll have to catch me first, ’cause…

“Tag! You’re it.”

Daily Devotional – September 26

GIVE THANKS

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep…you are richer than 75% of this world.

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

If you can read now, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

COMING SOON!

The Bereans will be working on a new resources site to provide readers with real tools for spiritual development and growth.  It is under construction and will take some time to produce, but hopefully in the long run will be a reference site that each of us can refer ourselves and others to for valuable posts and information. 

So, in the interim, if you have ideas about what you would like to see on The Bereans – Resources, then any input would be appreciated!

To preview the site go here!

Daily Devotional – September 25

 

ITS HOW YOU SAY IT 

A king once dreamed that all his teeth had fallen out. He was naturally concerned about his dream, so the next morning he sent for a soothsayer to interpret his dream for him.

The soothsayer listened to the king’s dream, pondered it for a moment, and then delivered this pronouncement:

“Your Highness, the dream means that all your relatives will die and you will be left alone.”

The king was furious at the soothsayer’s interpretation, and he demanded the soothsayer remove himself from the palace at once.

Then the king called for a second soothsayer.

This soothsayer listened to the king’s dream, pondered for a moment, and then proclaimed:“Rejoice, O King! The dream means that you will live many more years. In fact, you will outlive all your relatives! LONG LIVE THE KING!”

This interpretation so pleased the king that he gave the interpreter a large purse of gold.

Essentially, the two soothsayers made the same prediction. But there was a big difference in HOW they delivered the message, wouldn’t you agree? As a result, there was a big difference in how the message was received.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Daily Devotional – September 21

MY PEACE

• Run through by spears and swords
• Dragged by horses
• Hanged
• Boiled alive
• Crucified
• Thrown from the heights
• Flayed to death
• Shot
• Stoned
• Tortured and beheaded

The fate suffered by the disciples of Jesus Christ, and yet…

JOHN 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

We should never forget:

2Corinthians 12:9 (a) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee…

Tip of the Day

Today, if you have time, BE STILL.  Just take about 15-20 minutes out of your busy schedule, find somewhere to be alone with God, and

Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I [am] God:

My heart hurts

Hi Everyone out there…

I just got news that my dear cousin has stage four incurable cancer.  Angela is one of the most wonderful people I have known.  The bad thing about it is that her son has been suffering from Hodgkins disease (another kind of cancer) and is still undergoing experimental treatment.

Truly a test of our faith.

Anyone who would pray for her, her son and Don whose heart is breaking would be appreciated.

-j