Daily Devotional – January 31

BUSY, BUSY!

Once upon a time a man took a job as a woodcutter.  He worked very hard in his eagerness to prove his worth.

The first day, the he felled eighteen trees.

He earned much praise from his employer. 

Exceedingly motivated by the praise, the woodcutter tried even harder the next day, but he only produced fifteen trees.

Exasperated he tried even harder, producing only ten.

“I must be losing my strength”, the woodcutter thought, and went to his employer to apologize.

 “I do not understand.” He told his employer downcast.

“When was the last time you sharpened your axe?” asked his employer.

“Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been too busy cutting trees.”

Author: Unknown

How many of us are so busy about the Father’s business that we neglect the very thing that prepares us for it?

2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Daily Devotional – January 30

HABITS

A wealthy man requested an old scholar to wean his son away from his bad habits.

The scholar took the youth for a stroll through a garden. Stopping suddenly he asked the boy to pull out a tiny plant growing there. The youth held the plant between his thumb and forefinger and pulled it out. The old man then asked him to pull out a slightly bigger plant. The youth pulled hard and the plant came out, roots and all.

“Now pull out that one,” said the old man pointing to a bush. The boy had to use all his strength to pull it out.

“Now take this one out,” said the old man, indicating a guava tree. The youth grasped the trunk and tried to pull it out. But it would not budge.

“I – It’s impossible,” said the boy, panting with the effort.

“So it is with bad habits,” said the sage. “When they are young it is easy to pull them out but when they take hold they can hardly be uprooted.” Author Unknown

Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Read more)

Daily Devotional – January 28

 

FEAR

A story:

Once there was a beautiful bird, more beautiful than any other. It was powerful and free, and possessed great courage. This bird was fearless, going wherever it wanted. It’s had spectacular plumage of vibrant colors and great depth.

One day the bird decided to pluck its own feathers, one by one, to make a beautiful nest in which it could rest with comfort and security.

Now the bird can no longer fly.   (Author: Brian Cavenaugh)

2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Note

Just an update:

Monday will see the return of “regular” daily devos.  Hope the videos were enjoyable, though–we found them a blessing.

Also, the Bereans ministry is looking to branch out in new directions.  Our goal in 2007 is to have our Peter @ Paul podcast going as well as the our brand-spanking new www.CommonSenseChristian.com!  This will be the new site of the Bereans devoted to the true spiritual growth and enrichment of Christians everywhere from a common sense and applicable perspective.

Have a wonderful and Christ-filled weekend!

Daily Devotional – January 26

1Peter 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Daily Devotional – January 25

Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Daily Devotional – January 24

Daily Devotional – January 23

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Video Week at the Bereans!

See below

Daily Devotional – January 22

1Corinthians 9:18-19 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men , yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.