Advertisement
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Home Who's Online Today's Posts HP Calculator CompD Gift Shop Mark Forums Read
Go Back   Competition Diesel.Com - Bringing The BEST Together > The Entrance Gate- Welcome to Competition Diesel > Competition Events and Get-Togethers > Diesels for Christ
Register Members List Timeslips EFI Live Library Invite Your Friends FAQ Calendar Mark Forums Read

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 11-20-2013, 10:27 AM   #1241
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Genuine Concern

November 20, 2013 — by Bill Crowder



Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)


Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn


Read: Philippians 2:1-5

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. —Philippians 2:4

Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 14-15; James 2

On the first night at family camp, the camp director informed the families of the schedule for the week. When finished, he asked if anyone else had anything to say. A young girl stood up and made a passionate appeal for help. She shared about her little brother—a boy with special needs—and how he could be a challenge to care for. She talked about how tiring this was for her family, and she asked everyone there to help them keep an eye on him during the week. It was an appeal born out of genuine concern for her brother and her parents. As the week went on, it was great to see people pitching in to help this family.

Her appeal was a gentle reminder of how easily we can all get wrapped up in our own world, life, and problems—to the point that we fail to see the needs of others. Here’s how Paul described our responsibility: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4). The next verse reminds us that this is part of the example of Christ: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Our caring displays a Christlike concern for people who are hurting. May we rest in God’s grace, trusting Him to enable us to serve others in their seasons of need.
Lord, open my eyes to the hurts, needs, and struggles
of a world that is so desperately in need of Your love.
Help me to be Your instrument to inject
that love into hurting lives.

Nothing costs as much as caring—except not caring.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 11-21-2013, 09:35 AM   #1242
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
That Name

November 21, 2013 — by Dave Branon



Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)


Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn


Read: Philippians 2:5-11

God . . . has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name. —Philippians 2:9

Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 16-17; James 3

Our little granddaughter Maggie and her family were back home in Missouri after visiting with us in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her mom told us that for a few days after returning home, Maggie walked around the house happily saying, “Michigan! Michigan!”

There was something about that name that attracted Maggie. Could have been the sound of it. Could have been the enjoyable time she had. It’s hard to tell with a 1-year-old, but the name “Michigan” had such an impact on her that she couldn’t stop saying it.

This makes me think about another name—the name of Jesus, “the name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). A song by Bill and Gloria Gaither reminds us why we love that name so much. He is “Master” and “Savior.” Yes, what depth of meaning there is in the names that describe our Lord! When we mention the great name of Jesus to those who need Him as Savior, we can remind them what He has done for us.

Jesus is our Savior. He has redeemed us by His blood, and we can give our lives wholeheartedly to Him. Jesus. Let all heaven and earth—including us—proclaim His glorious name!


The most precious name is Jesus!
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 11-22-2013, 09:12 AM   #1243
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Overshadowed

November 22, 2013 — by David C. McCasland



Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)


Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn


Read: Luke 1:26-38

The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. —Luke 1:35

Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 18-19; James 4

The assassination of US President John F. Kennedy stunned people around the globe 50 years ago today. The day after the shooting, an article in The Times (London) spoke of the reverberations being felt throughout world financial markets. It carried the headline, “All Other Events Overshadowed by US Tragedy.”

There are times in our lives when a death, a tragedy, or a sudden turn of events eclipses everything else. It happened to an unmarried young woman who was told that she would become the mother of the promised Messiah, God’s Son (Luke 1:26-33). When she asked how this could happen, the angel Gabriel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you” (v.35).

The impossibility in Mary’s life was overshadowed not by darkness but by the brightness of God’s glory and power. Her response continues to leave us in awe: “Let it be to me according to your word” (v.38).

In the coming weeks, as we read again the Christmas story and consider the birth of Jesus into our world, it’s worth pondering the word overshadowed. It speaks so powerfully of the Lord’s presence in our hearts and His ability to outshine the darkest moments.
I’m overshadowed by His mighty love,
Love eternal, changeless, pure,
Overshadowed by His mighty love,
Rest is mine, serene, secure. —Ironside

In every situation, we are overshadowed by God’s mighty love and power.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 11-25-2013, 09:29 AM   #1244
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Spiritual Plagiarism

November 25, 2013 — by Julie Ackerman Link



Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)


Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn


Read: John 1:1-18

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. —John 1:14

Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2

When I teach English composition, I require students to write in class. I know that in-class writing is their own work, so in this way I become familiar with each student’s writing voice and am able to detect if they “borrow” a bit too heavily from another writer. Students are surprised to learn that their writing voice—which includes what they say as well as how they say it—is as distinctive as their speaking voice. Just as the words we speak come from our hearts, so do the words we write. They reveal who we are.

We become familiar with God’s voice in much the same way. By reading what He has written, we learn who He is and how He expresses Himself. Satan, however, tries to make himself sound like God (2 Cor. 11:14). By using God’s words in a slightly altered fashion, he comes up with convincing arguments for things that are untrue. For example, by convincing people to do things that simulate godliness, such as trusting in an outward regimen of self-discipline rather than Christ’s death for salvation (Col. 2:23), Satan has led many astray.

God went to extremes to make sure we’d recognize His voice. He not only gave us His Word, He gave us the Word made flesh—Jesus (John 1:14)—so that we will not be easily deceived or misled.
Instill within my heart, dear Lord,
A deep desire to know Your Word,
I want to learn to hear Your voice
That I may make Your will my choice. —D. DeHaan

Your Word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. —Psalm 119:140
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 11-27-2013, 08:24 AM   #1245
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Place Of Water

November 27, 2013 — by Bill Crowder



Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)


Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn


Read: Psalm 42:1-5

The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. —John 4:14

Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 30-32; 1 Peter 4

East Africa is one of the driest places on earth, which is what makes “Nairobi” such a significant name for a city in that region. The name comes from a Masai phrase meaning “cold water,” and it literally means “the place of water.”

Throughout history, the presence of water has been both life-giving and strategic. Whether a person lives in a dry climate or a rainforest, water is a nonnegotiable necessity. In a dry and barren climate, knowing where to find the place of water can mean the difference between life and death.

Our spiritual life also has certain nonnegotiable elements. That is why Jesus, upon encountering a spiritually thirsty woman at a well, declared to her that He alone could provide living water. He told her, “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Like the deer mentioned in Psalm 42:1-2 who pants for water, our souls thirst for God and long for Him (63:1). We desperately need the sustenance that comes only from Jesus Christ. He is the source of living water that refreshes our hearts.
Rivers of living water,
Rivers of life so free,
Flowing from Thee, my Savior,
Send now the rivers through me. —Wood

Jesus is the fountain of living water.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-03-2013, 09:13 AM   #1246
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Text Size: Zoom In
One Stretch

December 3, 2013 — by Anne Cetas

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 1 John 2:24–3:3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! —1 John 3:1
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 45-46; 1 John 2
For years, Sarah had low-back pain that continued to worsen. Her doctor sent her for physical therapy, and she was given 25 stretches to do every day. The pain lessened but not completely. So the doctor ordered x-rays and sent her to another therapist, who instructed her to discontinue the other therapist’s stretches and do only one stretch a day as needed. Surprisingly, the one simple stretch worked the best.

Sometimes the simplest truths are the best. When asked to summarize in one sentence his whole life’s work in theology, Karl Barth responded: “Jesus loves me!” Some say he added, “This I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

God’s love for us is evident. He gave His Son to rescue us from ourselves. Christ died on the cross, taking our burden of sin. Then He rose again, giving us new life in Him. Amazing love! As John tells us: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

Jesus’ love for us isn’t a Band-Aid or a cure-all for all of life’s problems, of course. But it is the one truth we can always depend on to give purpose to life and peace with God.

I am so glad that our Father in heaven
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see—
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. —Bliss
The wonder of it all— just to think that Jesus loves me.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-04-2013, 12:23 PM   #1247
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Eureka Stone

December 4, 2013 — by Dennis Fisher

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Matthew 13:44-50
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. —Matthew 13:44
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 47-48; 1 John 3
In 1867 on a farm in South Africa, 15-year-old Erasmus Jacobs saw a stone glistening in the sun. The shining rock was eventually reported to a neighbor, who wanted to buy it from the family. Not knowing its value, Erasmus’ mother told the neighbor, “You can keep the stone, if you want it.”

Eventually, a mineralogist determined the stone to be a 21.25 carat diamond and worth a great sum. It became known as the “Eureka Diamond.” (The Greek word eureka means “I found it!”) Soon the fields near the Jacobs’ farm soared in value. Underneath the land was one of the richest diamond deposits ever discovered.

Jesus said that the value of being part of God’s kingdom is like treasure: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44).

When we put our faith in Christ, a spiritual “eureka moment” arrives. God gives us forgiveness in His Son. It is the greatest treasure that could ever be found. Now all of life can begin to center on the value of becoming a joyous member of His eternal kingdom. It’s our joy to share that valuable discovery with others.

How we need a keen awareness
Of the joys God wants to share!
Priceless treasures found in Jesus—
We are rich beyond compare! —D. DeHaan
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-05-2013, 09:18 AM   #1248
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Get Your “Wanter” Fixed

December 5, 2013 — by David C. McCasland

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Philippians 4:4-13
I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. —Philippians 4:11
Bible in a Year:
Daniel 1-2; 1 John 4
When my wife was a young girl in Austin, Texas, Carlyle Marney was her family’s neighbor, pastor, and friend. One of his off-hand remarks about being content became one of her family’s enduring expressions: “Dr. Marney says, ‘We just need to get our wanter fixed.’”

It’s so easy to want more than we need and to become more focused on getting than on giving. Soon, our desires dictate our choices.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in the city of Philippi, he told them, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content . . . . I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Phil. 4:11-12). Paul was saying, in effect, “I’ve had my ‘wanter’ fixed.” It’s important to note that Paul was not born with contentment. He learned it in the difficult circumstances of everyday life.

During this season of the year, when shopping and buying often take center stage in so many countries and cultures, why don’t we decide to focus on being satisfied in our present circumstances? It may sound difficult, but Paul, when talking about learning to be content said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (v.13).

Help us, Lord, to learn contentment when life is
rough. Protect us from believing the lie that
having more will bring us happiness. May we be
content with what You have given.
Contentment begins with having fewer wants.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-06-2013, 08:51 AM   #1249
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
More Than Enough

December 6, 2013 — by Cindy Hess Kasper

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Psalm 103:1-11
[The Lord] crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. —Psalm 103:4
Bible in a Year:
Daniel 3-4; 1 John 5
When I entertained a large group in my home, I feared that the menu I planned wouldn’t be enough to serve all the guests. I shouldn’t have worried though. Several friends unexpectedly brought additional items and all of us were able to enjoy the surprise surplus. We had more than enough and were able to share out of the abundance.

We serve a God of abundance who is consistently “more than enough.” We can see God’s generous nature in the way He loves His children.

In Psalm 103, David lists the many benefits our Father bestows on us. Verse 4 says that He redeems our life from destruction and crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

The apostle Paul reminds us that God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing” and “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 1:3; 3:20).

Because of His great love, we are called children of God (1 John 3:1), and His grace gives us “sufficiency in all things” that we “may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).

God’s love and grace, spilled over into our lives, enables us to share them with others. The God of power and provision is always the God of “more than enough”!

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
To His feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing. —Lyte
We always have enough when God is our supply.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-09-2013, 09:37 AM   #1250
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Christmas Lights

December 7, 2013 — by Julie Ackerman Link

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Matthew 5:13-16
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. —Matthew 4:16
Bible in a Year:
Daniel 5-7; 2 John
In December each year, a neighborhood of 13 families near where we live sets up a dazzling display of 300,000 Christmas lights. People drive for miles and wait in line for hours to see the flashing, colorful lights and hear the music that is programmed to go with it. The sound-and-light display is so elaborate that it requires a network of 64 computers to keep everything synchronized.

When I think about these holiday lights, I am reminded of the Light that makes Christmas a holiday for many—a single Light so bright that it illuminates the whole world with truth, justice, and love. This Light—Jesus—is everything that the world is longing and looking for (Isa. 9:2,6-7). And He has told His followers to display His light so that others will see and glorify God (Matt. 5:16).

Imagine if Christians worked as hard at shining and synchronizing the light of God’s love as the families of that neighborhood work when they illuminate their street with Christmas lights. Perhaps then the people still living in darkness would make an effort to see this great Light. When Christians work together to display God’s love, the gospel will shine more brightly and attract more people to Jesus—the Light of the world.

O to be filled with His life divine;
O to be clothed with His power and might;
O to reflect my dear Savior sublime—
Always to shine as the saints in light! —Anon.
Our witness for Christ is a light in a dark world.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-10-2013, 10:30 AM   #1251
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
A Giving Competition

December 10, 2013 — by Anne Cetas

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! —2 Corinthians 9:15
Bible in a Year:
Hosea 1-4; Revelation 1
A television commercial I enjoy at Christmastime shows two neighbors in a friendly competition with each other to see who can spread the most Christmas cheer. Each keeps an eye on the other as he decorates his house and trees with lights. Then each upgrades his own property to look better than the other’s. They then start competing over who can give the most extravagantly to other neighbors, running around cheerfully sharing gifts.

God’s people aren’t in a competition to see who can give the most, but we are called to be “ready to give, willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:18). The apostle Paul instructed the church at Corinth: “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).

At Christmastime, as we share gifts with others, we remember the generosity of God toward us—He gave us His Son. Ray Stedman said, “Jesus set aside His riches and entered into His creation in a state of poverty in order to enrich us all by His grace.”

No gift-giving could ever compete with the Lord’s extravagance. We thank God for the indescribable gift of Jesus! (v.15).

No gift is greater than the gift of Christ Himself.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-11-2013, 09:30 AM   #1252
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Hope For Skeptics

December 11, 2013 — by Randy Kilgore

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Isaiah 55:6-13
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please. —Isaiah 55:11
Bible in a Year:
Hosea 5-8; Revelation 2
As a workplace chaplain, I’m privileged to be in conversation with many different people. Some are skeptics of the Christian faith. I’ve discovered three major hurdles that keep them from trusting in Christ for salvation.

The first barrier, surprisingly, isn’t an unwillingness to believe that God exists; instead some doubt that they’re important enough for God’s attention. Second, some believe they are unworthy of His forgiveness. People are often their own harshest judges. The third hurdle? They wonder why God is not communicating with them if He is out there.

Let’s work backward through the hurdles to see what God’s Word says. First, God doesn’t play head games. He promises that if we read His Word, He will make sure it accomplishes His purpose (Isa. 55:11). In other words, if we read it we will discover that God is communicating with us. This is precisely why the Bible speaks so often of His grace and mercy toward all (v.7). His willingness to forgive surpasses our own. Once we learn that we can hear God in the Bible and once we see the emphasis on His mercy, it becomes easier to believe we have His attention when we cry out to Him.

God’s story is amazing. It can give hope for all of us.

There can be times when one’s mind is in doubt,
Times when one asks what the faith is about;
But we can believe Him, we know that He cares—
Our God is real, as the Bible declares. —Fitzhugh
Honest skepticism can be the first step to a strong faith.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-12-2013, 09:26 AM   #1253
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Costume Or Uniform?

December 12, 2013 — by David C. McCasland

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Romans 13:11-14
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. —Romans 13:14
Bible in a Year:
Hosea 9-11; Revelation 3
Eunice McGarrahan gave an inspiring talk on Christian discipleship in which she said, “A costume is something you put on and pretend that you are what you are wearing. A uniform, on the other hand, reminds you that you are, in fact, what you wear.”

Her comment sparked memories of my first day in US Army basic training when we were each given a box and ordered to put all our civilian clothes in it. The box was mailed to our home address. Every day after that, the uniform we put on reminded us that we had entered a period of disciplined training designed to change our attitudes and actions.

“Cast off the works of darkness,” the apostle Paul told the followers of Jesus living in Rome, “and . . . put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12). He followed this with the command to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (v.14). The goal of this “casting off” and “putting on” was a new identity and transformed living (v.13).

When we choose to follow Christ as our Lord, He begins the process of making us more like Him each day. It is not a matter of pretending to be what we aren’t but of becoming more and more what we are in Christ.

O to be like Thee, O to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. —Chisholm
Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-13-2013, 11:02 AM   #1254
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Lasting Rewards

December 13, 2013 — by C. P. Hia

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things. —1 Timothy 4:8
Bible in a Year:
Hosea 12-14; Revelation 4
Ukrainian gymnast Larisa Latynina held the record of 18 Olympic medals. She won them in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympics. The 48-year-old record was surpassed when Michael Phelps swam for his 19th gold in the 4 x 200-meter freestyle relay in the 2012 London Games. “[Latynina] kind of got lost in history,” the publisher of the International Gymnast magazine said. When the Soviet Union broke up, “we had forgotten about her.”

Paul, the apostle, reminds us that sometimes hard work is forgotten. Athletes subject their bodies to great discipline as they train to win perishable medals for their effort (1 Cor. 9:25). But it is not just that the medals are perishable. Over time, people’s memory of those achievements dim and fade. If athletes can sacrifice so much to achieve rewards on the earth, rewards that will eventually be forgotten, how much more effort should followers of Christ exert to gain an imperishable crown? (1 Tim. 4:8).

Athletes’ sacrifice and determination are rewarded with medals, trophies, and money. But even greater, our Father in heaven rewards the discipline of His children (Luke 19:17).

God will never forget our service done out of love for Him who first loved us.

I thank You, Lord, for the opportunities to use
the gifts You have given me for Your service today.
Help me to do so in obedience, expecting nothing
more than Your “well done” as reward.
Sacrifice for the kingdom is never without reward.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-16-2013, 09:16 AM   #1255
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Living Backward

December 16, 2013 — by Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Matthew 16:21-28
Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. —Matthew 16:25
Bible in a Year:
Amos 4-6; Revelation 7
The Chicago River is unusual because it flows backward. Engineers reversed its direction over a century ago because city-dwellers were using it as a dump. Dishwater, sewage, and industrial waste all funneled into the river, which emptied into Lake Michigan. Since the lake supplied drinking water for the city, thousands grew sick and died before city authorities decided to redirect the river to flow backward, away from the lake.

When we look at the earthly life of Jesus, it may seem backward from what we would expect. As the King of glory, He came to earth as a vulnerable infant. As God in the flesh, He endured accusations of blasphemy. As the only sinless man, He was crucified as a criminal. But Jesus lived on earth according to God’s will (John 6:38).

As followers of Christ, to clothe ourselves with Jesus’ attitudes and actions may appear “backward.” Blessing our enemies (Rom. 12:14), valuing godliness over wealth (1 Tim. 6:6-9), and taking joy in hardship (James 1:2) seem to oppose worldly wisdom. Yet, Jesus said, “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25).

Don’t worry if living your life sometimes means operating in reverse. God will give you the strength to honor Him, and He will propel you forward.

Dear God, please give me the strength to go
against the flow of this world. Help me to resist
what is wrong in Your eyes and to act in ways
that please You, for the glory of Your name.
Clothing ourselves with Jesus’ attitudes and actions shows His presence in our lives.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-17-2013, 11:12 AM   #1256
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Love And Support

December 17, 2013 — by Dave Branon

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Philippians 4:10-18
I thank my God . . . for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. —Philippians 1:3,5
Bible in a Year:
Amos 7-9; Revelation 8
I received this note from a friend serving in an orphanage in a developing country: “Yesterday, as I was sitting at my office desk, I noticed a trail of ants on the floor. As I followed it, I was shocked to see that thousands of ants had blanketed the walls of our office building—inside and out. They swarmed everything. Fortunately, one of the workers . . . set to work. Less than an hour later, the ants were gone.”

After telling this insect story, my friend wrote, “So, how was your day at work?” Sometimes we need reminders of the needs of those who have left behind the comforts and conveniences of home. God calls each of us to different paths of service, and some paths are bumpy. Working in an office that is overrun by ants doesn’t appeal to anyone, but my friend is not there for the perks.

She and many other believers have had their hearts captured by Christ and think that abandoning “essential” comforts and conveniences is a small thing to do to honor Him who loves us. They need our support in the way Paul depended on his friends in Philippi—for fellowship (Phil. 1:5), for finances (4:16), and for care (4:18). When we encourage our friends who have left their familiar environments to serve God elsewhere, we show our love for the One who sent them.

Dear Lord, give me wisdom to know which of Your
workers in the fields of the world need my help.
Show me how my family can surround them
with encouragement and support.
The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to give, not to get; to serve, not to be served.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-18-2013, 10:08 AM   #1257
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
Not All Empty

December 18, 2013 — by David H. Roper

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Psalm 107:1-9
He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. —Psalm 107:9
Bible in a Year:
Obadiah; Revelation 9
Our granddaughter Julia spent the summer working in an orphanage in Busia, Uganda. On the final day of her internship, she went to the children to tell each one goodbye. One little girl named Sumaya was very sad and said to her, “Tomorrow you leave us, and next week the other aunties [interns] leave.”

When Julia agreed that she was indeed leaving, Sumaya thought for a minute and exclaimed, “But we will be all empty. None of you will be left!” Again, Julia agreed. The little girl thought a few moments and replied: “But God will be with us, so we won’t be all empty.”

If we are honest with ourselves, we know that “all empty” feeling. It is an emptiness that friendship, love, sex, money, power, popularity, or success can never assuage—a longing for something indefinable, something incalculably precious but lost. Every good thing can remind, beckon, and awaken in us a greater desire for that elusive “something more.” The closest we get is a hint, an echo in a face, a painting, a scene . . . . And then it is gone. “Our best havings are wantings,” said C. S. Lewis.

We were made for God, and in the end, nothing less will satisfy us. Without Him, we are all empty. He alone fills the hungry with good things (Ps. 107:9).

Dear Lord, fill me with Your goodness and love.
I desire nothing in heaven and earth but You.
Without You, I have nothing. Thank You for the
abiding satisfaction that we can find in You.
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. —C. S. Lewis
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-19-2013, 09:51 AM   #1258
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
The Son Is Given

December 19, 2013 — by Bill Crowder

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Luke 1:26-33
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. —Isaiah 9:6
Bible in a Year:
Jonah 1-4; Revelation 10
One of my favorite portions of Handel’s Messiah is the joyous movement “For unto us a Child is born,” from the first part of the oratorio. I especially love how the chorus rises to the phrase, “Unto us a Son is given.” Those words, of course, are taken from Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Handel’s majestic music soars with adoration for the Son who came to us in human flesh that first Christmas.

The New Testament clarifies even further who this Son is. In Luke 1, the angelic messenger appeared to Mary and identified the Christ-child in four ways. He would be the son of Mary, making Him fully human (1:31). He would be the Son of the Highest, which made Him fully divine (1:32). He would also be the Son of David, giving Him royal lineage (1:32). And He would bear the title of Son of God (1:35), giving Him equality with the Father in all things. All of the roles the Messiah was called to fill are made possible in these distinct expressions of His Sonship.

As we worship Him this Christmas, may our celebrations be filled with joy and wonder at the fullness of what it means. Our heavenly Father has given us His perfect, sufficient Son. O come, let us adore Him!

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord. —Wade
God’s love became incarnate at Bethlehem.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 12-20-2013, 09:42 AM   #1259
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
We will be out of pocket for a while. Just want to thank everyone who takes the time to read Our Daily Breads. I will post them as soon as I can. Merry Christmas too all and Happy New Year. JHB


Taking Refuge

December 20, 2013 — by Dennis Fisher

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Proverbs 18:1-10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. —Proverbs 18:10
Bible in a Year:
Micah 1-3; Revelation 11
In the medieval world, farmers would care for their crops until an enemy appeared on the horizon. Then they would flee with their families to their fortified city for protection from the marauders.

The city of Carcassonne has been a refuge for generations. Built in the 5th century bc, this stone fortress has provided protection for Romans, Gauls, Visigoths, Franks, and French. Its sprawling size and majestic watchtowers and battlements gave confidence to those hiding inside its protective walls.

As believers, we can take refuge in the presence of the living God. The book of Proverbs tells us: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Prov. 18:10). “The name of the Lord” refers to God’s character—abounding with faithfulness, power, and mercy. The term safe means “set on high out of danger.”

We all face threats at times that make us want to run for cover. Some seek security in material wealth or relationships. But the Christ-follower has a more secure refuge. Because of who God is and what He can do for us, our best protection ultimately rests in Him. If you are facing a threat today, go to the Lord, who is a strong tower. You will find refuge in His care.

In the times of greatest struggle,
When the angry billows roll,
I can always find my Savior,
Christ, the Refuge of my soul. —Woodruff
In good times and bad, God is our safe resting place.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Old 01-02-2014, 11:07 AM   #1260
GOLDDUSTERS5703

Name: GOLDDUSTERS5703
Title: Too Much Time
Status: Not Here
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: huffman, tx
Member`s Gallery
Posts: 2,788
No Appetite

January 2, 2014 — by poh fang chia

Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Nehemiah 8:1-12
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. —1 Peter 2:2
Bible in a Year:
Genesis 4-6; Matthew 2
When I was battling a bad cold recently, I lost my appetite. I could go through an entire day without eating much food. Water would suffice. But I knew I couldn’t survive long on water alone. I needed to regain my appetite because my body needed nourishment.

When the people of Israel came back from exile in Babylon, their spiritual appetite was weak. They had departed from God and His ways. To get the people back to spiritual health, Nehemiah organized a Bible seminar, and Ezra was the teacher.

Ezra read from the book of the law of Moses from morning until midday, feeding the people with the truth of God (Neh. 8:3). And the people listened attentively. In fact, their appetite for God’s Word was so stirred that the family leaders and the priests and Levites met with Ezra the following day to study the law in greater detail because they wanted to understand it (v.13).

When we feel estranged from God or spiritually weak, we can find spiritual nourishment from God’s Word. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). Ask God to give you a renewed desire for relationship with Him, and begin feeding your heart, soul, and mind with His Word.

Break Thou the Bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord,
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word. —Lathbury
Feeding on God’s Word keeps us strong and healthy in the Lord.
__________________
1997 CTD2500 "CASPER"

PHILIPPIANS 4:13
 
Closed Thread

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:35 AM.

 


Powered by vBulletin
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2006 - 2024, CompetitionDiesel.com
all information found on this site is property of www.competitiondiesel.com