Finding Quiet Time on the Run

Today's Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trapand into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  

Today's Scripture Reading:Ephesians 4:26-31 26 “In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others upaccording to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Summary: All of us get angry at some point in our lives. Whether it is as injustice that you watch or hear about, or whether it is because your neighbor has said or done something wrong to you. For some of us, the emotion of Anger is a frequent occasion. We have a short fuse, and it doesn’t take much for us to get mad at something that we don’t feel happy about. Some of us store it deep inside, so our anger is stuff away deeper and deeper until one day it manifests itself in an explosive manner. Some of us pretend like we aren’t angry at all, and deal with it in a passive aggressive way. Some of us will burn the bridge by walking away and avoiding the people involved altogether – severing relationships and ties and never speaking to them anymore, or at least for a certain amount of time until it has cooled off.

Anddd we are finally back with another devotional! Glad to be back after a month of busy-ness. I hope that you are blessed by the upcoming devotionals.    Today's Scripture Readings: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - 1 Corinthians 5:17 "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28        

ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be no new podcast devotional uploads for the next few weeks as I will be away preparing for a number of Church Retreats with my Youth Groups. I will resume uploading starting March 4, 2019. Until then, you are more than welcome to go back to some of the previous devotionals if you have missed any!   Today's Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."     Excerpt: Words can be empty without action.Because God could not communicate to us enough his love for us, he showed it to us in the ultimate of action for you and I. He died on the cross for us and paid the debt that we could not pay. It says in 1 John 3:18 that we ought to love with our actions and in truth. If you cannot confess with your mouth that you love that person - either because you are too angry at them, too shy, or too hurt, then begin by doing something for them.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 02 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Today's Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.   Excerpt: There are things that we may have major anxieties about. We worry as if it is the end of the world and we have no salvation from it. One thing we often forget not just as Christians, but as humans, is how to find joy in the midst of our circumstances. The news is flooded with sadness, anger, injustice, and is a rare gem to see something celebratory hit the headlines. We often picture our lives that way as well...   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 02 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Today's Scripture Reading: Galations 2:20 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Excerpt: To taste and experience the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus in our lives is one that is staggeringly transformational. There is no other taste like it, to know and have the reassurance through the revelation of the gospel and convicting faith in our salvation through Christ is nothing that can be compared to. But the question may be for some of us today - how do I have that kind of faith? how do I experience Christ in that manner? Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 02 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 1:21-25 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.   Excerpt: "I would give up anything to have that!" This is often written under the columns of comments on many product forums and websites to the newest and greatest things we see displayed on the internet. We often respond that way to things that seem exquisite and attractive to the flesh. It is exactly what the marketing agencies and corporations want - for us to aspire after things of mediocrity and place it on a pedestal for us to "work towards". Like sharks at the smell of blood, we go on a frenzy to attain whatever seems most appetizing to our tongue, or in response to the rumours of how it tastes from those who have tasted it. This is not just a whimsical phrase that is said. It is rather an ode to the foolishness of humanity that often finds itself in suffering due to one's infatuation or addiction to a certain object of desire, or a status of one's fantasy.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 3:21-26 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemptionthat came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.   Excerpt: At some point in our lives, we may feel like we've made some of the greatest mistakes, that we've messed up so badly that there is no way back to the way it was, and that there is no redemption for the shame that we feel because of the problems we've caused. It hurts, real bad. This may be something we are facing in public where others can witness your brokenness, or it may be in private where nobody knows what you are going through, except God. Either place, the struggle is personal, and can be utterly lonely. Sin is in essence the lack of God being at the core of one's life, whereas holiness is one being filled with his righteousness. There is a common misconception that Salvation from sin is only for the righteous. But that would be like saying to be saved we must be able to climb the staircase towards heaven to receive the favour of God. What if you are crippled by the legs? you have a broken back? a broken toe even? or if you are blind? How would one climb that staircase?   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

1 I will extol the Lord at all times;    his praise will always be on my lips.2 I will glory in the Lord;    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.3 Glorify the Lord with me;    let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;    he delivered me from all my fears.5 Those who look to him are radiant;    their faces are never covered with shame.6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;    he saved him out of all his troubles.7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,    and he delivers them. – Psalm 34:1-7   Excerpt: A question that we may want to be honest with ourselves about today is, what have I tried to find my joy and happiness in lately? We often find ourselves in predicaments and problems because we are either not receiving that happiness or feel unfulfilled in the joy we so desire in our workplaces, school, marriages, family, and even friendships. The truth is that there is nobody in this world that will be able to give us the eternal sense of joy and happiness that we so desire. That in itself could be one of the greatest burdens anyone could carry. In the midst of persecution and possible death hinging around the corner, David writes this Psalm: “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

3 Trust in the Lord and do good;    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.4 Take delight in the Lord,    and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord;    trust in him and he will do this:6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,    your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord    and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways,    when they carry out their wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:3-7   Excerpt: Some of us today may be in a time of conflict - family or marital problems, financial struggles, a crime committed against you, issues in workplace politics, or others. Some of us might even be the cause of these issues (Whether we have admitted to it or not). Trying to find forgiveness and grace in these moments have not been easy and we may even have let these circumstances define who we are.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

1 Save me, O God, by your name;    vindicate me by your might.2 Hear my prayer, O God;    listen to the words of my mouth. 3 Arrogant foes are attacking me;    ruthless people are trying to kill me—    people without regard for God. 4 Surely God is my help;    the Lord is the one who sustains me. 5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me;    in your faithfulness destroy them. 6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;    I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.7 You have delivered me from all my troubles,    and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. - Psalm 54   Excerpt: Are you tired? Have you had a long week? a long month? There are many moments in life that we find ourselves worn out, strung out, knocked down, discouraged, or simply about to pass out. It is in the midst of these times that when we find even a glimmering moment of rest, we will crawl into our own little space and sleep. Some of us will go out and party until you drop. Being sort of an introvert myself, I like to be alone and become like a hermit crab confined in my own space where nobody (except my wife) can get in. Some of us may be the exact opposite, we want to go out and have mindless fun and laughter so that we don't have to think about the following Monday or project looming over our heads. Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

Today's Scripture Reading: John 11:1-44 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” - John 11:39-40   Excerpt: In some ways, we have been like Martha. We've kept the stone that seals the tomb of our inmost pain and insecurities. We've given up and just accepted the fact that my life today is just the way it will be. But our life in the resurrection Jesus goes way beyond two thousand years ago. In fact, we don't even wait for the day of judgement to see resurrection. The true indication of Jesus' resurrection begins with our very own hearts. It is our faith in the resurrection which livens us with both optimism and confidence in him. Not only in the future, but also from the past and the present.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." -Romans 5:5 Excerpt: Our hope and vision begins with God. We must take heed that everything we set as ambitions outside of God holds value in our eternity. Godly vision for life produces hope and justice. Capitalist success can only be redeemed as a true vision for life if it produces love, joy, peace and righteousness in those who are in both leadership and in following. The sole beneficiary of such a scheme can only be God himself. But because we fail to lack greediness and a complete sense of holiness, it will always remain a sin. Do not be fooled by your love for money as a love for God. Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Today's Scripture Reading: Romans 12:10-12 Be devoted to one another in love.Honor one another above yourselves.Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.   Excerpt: Having a half-hearted attitude towards anything and anyone in life can be one of the most offensive things we could do. It communicates to those around us that we either do not care, or that they are second priority. We are all guilty of having done this, especially for things we just don't want to do. Whether it is with our homework, or with our house chores. The results of such an attitude towards even a task for one's own well being always leads to destructive results. Things that ought to be done right are neglected. Our dishes are not cleaned properly, as a result our families eat from dirty dishes. We fail to work on our school projects well, so we ruin our grades. We neglect to count the numbers properly, and the company you work for loses thousands of dollars. The results of half-heartedness are never positive. It is especially more harmful when we carry such an attitude with those whom we ought to serve and show the light of Christ with.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” - Genesis 1:28   Excerpt: Some of us work everyday to make a living, and some of us may go to school to study in preparation for our careers. The modern culture of industrialized societies has us living each day extremely task oriented and goal driven - yet everyday may seem also like a drag, utterly plain, and simply to just get by or pursue after more wealth. But is that the call of our lives as God's holy people? The question we can often ask is, how do we live as a Christians in today's society, in a mundane life? Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Today's Scripture Reading: John 10:7-10 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Excerpt: There are false gospels out there that seek to promise you riches, health, and wealth. That if you do this, or do that – if you live life in “obedience” or in the “holy spirit” that the “blessings” would be given to you in the form of health and wealth. But the issue with this strange message is that they are selling you a promise that has zero value in eternity. But as a result we are on this constant pursuit because we are misled, for the wrong things, and for the wrong reasons. It does  not matter how righteous you have lived, your body will decay, and your wealth is not something that you can take with you to the afterlife. There are gospels on the opposite end of the spectrum that say “abandon everything!” to the point ones resources and bodies are depleted and destroyed – but not just at the cost of their own, but so much so it has divided their family, placed them into debt, and destroyed what is supposed to be a joyful faith into one of legalism, misery and suffering – self infliction because of the hope that it would make them righteous before God. Both ends of these spectrums have one thing in common that is neither what God takes joy in or seeks from us at all.   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com  

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:24   Excerpt: The fourth question of the Westminster Catechism asks "What is God?" Have you ever pondered what God might look like? We often have the image of God being an old white man that sits up in the clouds sending lightning down whenever we do something bad. But that is merely an gnostic mix-up with the image of the Greek god Zeus. He is neither white, black, blue, purple. Nor is he an old man or a young child. Before we can say whether God exists or whether he doesn't, we have to first take a step back and wonder - if he does exist, then what is he? To understand who and what God is, we have to begin to understand his nature, and also what he is not.  Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 06 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Today's Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-34 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[g] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Excerpt: Each day that we live is a gift. There is no guarantee that we will awake tomorrow morning, nor can we be for certain what the outcome of our days might be. Even if we have planned everything out and done everything we could to ensure all of the things we want to accomplish get done, the outcome is inevitably in God's hands. Though there is probability in the way we are responsible with our time and how we spend our resources that produce what we hope for, the fact of life is there are more moments in our lives that things don't go always as planned. Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 04 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

There may have been many moments and times where we have been so upset about something, that you just couldn't care less about what was happening around you. These can be the most foolish and immature moments of our character. The illusion in that moment is that we are right, we are justified in feeling the way we feel, and we have the right to get upset and say whatever remarks we feel is right. But when we are angry and upset, how much love and compassion in our hearts rule our speech and behavior versus hate, disdain and contempt? There are moments and times we feel that things just are not going right. The people around you may not be doing well at fitting your demands and needs, or possibly altogether, not at all. Jonah felt precisely this way. God had commanded Jonah to preach to the Ninevites - his worst of enemies! Jonah was not only a bigot, but was hateful of them because of their past history. The symptom of sickness on Jonah's heart was self-righteousness and pride. He felt that he was more holy than they were, and that the Ninevites did not deserve mercy for their sins. Jonah's eyes and heart were clouded by his hatred and by his arrogance. Even after he had seen how the Ninevites had repented and gave their lives to the Lord, he was still angry. He wanted them to burn in hell. Literally. His reasoning is far from logical, and even after he acknowledges God's merciful character, he is still unrepentant. Many of the time, we can be just as Jonah was. When we are unforgiving, lacking compassion and mercy, it is because our pride and anger have clouded our judgement and shut out what God is doing in those moments. When we choose to be as Jonah did, we miss out on the greatest moments of God's wonderful power and mercy. Compassion requires humility. Humility demands of us to be merciful, but not by counting a debt to have someone owe you for your mercy. We are merciful because God has been merciful to us, countlessly. Thus today, think not on the sins of others and hold it against them. Nor be disgruntled by the things that don't work out in your lives. Instead, fix your eyes on what God has already done for you, and imitate that very virtue: Love which is given to us unconditionally even in our sin and brokenness. "Your Lord is a God of mercy and bountifulness:be a source of mercy and bountifulness to your neighbors.If you will be such, you will find salvation yourself with everlasting glory."  John of Kronstadt   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 04 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Today's Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man,    who draws strength from mere flesh    and whose heart turns away from the Lord.6 That person will be like a bush in the wastelands;    they will not see prosperity when it comes.They will dwell in the parched places of the desert,    in a salt land where no one lives. 7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,    whose confidence is in him.8 They will be like a tree planted by the water    that sends out its roots by the stream.It does not fear when heat comes;    its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of drought    and never fails to bear fruit.” 9 The heart is deceitful above all things    and beyond cure.    Who can understand it? 10 “I the Lord search the heart    and examine the mind,to reward each person according to their conduct,    according to what their deeds deserve.”   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 04 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 100 1Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.2Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.3Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.4Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;give thanks to him and praise his name.5For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations. Excerpt: Why do we serve the Lord? Some might say they do it out of a feeling of owing God for what he has done for us, and some might say it is simply what Christians ought to do to display their righteousness. We may serve God and serve people around us because we have a sense of duty or obligation to do so. But many of us can attest to the feeling of when somebody is around even when they don't want to be, especially when there is work involved that stretches the boundaries of our comfort zone. As a believer I have heard many times from pastors (and I have even preached this as well), that we ought to always seek to be uncomfortable in our spiritual walks with God. While this holds theologically true, today I rather take another approach to our service to God. Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 04 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21“What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” 22“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. 23Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” 24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:20-28   Excerpt: Much of the sufferings in this world surround the topic of this broken need for power and greed for resources. We are constantly envying and attempting to become better than our neighbors, and we fight our way to get there. But at what cost? Somebody always ends up paying for our need to fulfill our fleshly desires. This is why Jesus tells the mother whom desires to see her sons put up on the pedestal "you don't know what you are asking".   Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 01 - http://www.ourworshipsound.com

Today's Scripture Reading: Numbers 13:30-32 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” 31But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 32And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. Excerpt: When we fear the enemy, we give the enemy power. When we fear our obstacles, we have chosen to let the challenge become our deepest and inmost fear of failure. In the same way, whenever we choose to give up and let into sin, we have also chosen to let death have a stronghold on us. Instead, each day we ought to look towards God's promises and persevere in our faith following the Lord. Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Sergey Cheremisinov - "Trains" -https://sergeycheremisinov.bandcamp.com/track/train  

Today's Scripture Reading: John 9:13-34 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath.15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. 17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” 18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” 20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue.23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” 25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” 26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” 28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “04” (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Today's Scripture Reading: "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV) Excerpt: There are those of us that love to give, and those of us who are weary to give to anyone. We choose who and where we give our time and resources to, and often place a gauge of value on how much it is worth to give. There is a biblical principle to giving though - that we are gracious in our giving as God has been gracious to us. But why are we so afraid to give? why are we so skeptic and critical in the way we give to the church and to those who are more in need than we are? Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “04” (www.ourworshipsound.com)  

Today's Scripture Reading: John 9:1-12 (NIV) 1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” 12 “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said. Excerpt: God does not cast aside those who are sick, who are blind, who are disabled. It is society that has often done that. God never leaves the sick, the disabled, and the disadvantaged cast aside in his own accord. Jesus shifts the blame that was commonly placed on this person’s presumption of sin, instead on the duty and call of the believer, the disciple. He takes on the work stating that “while I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” And in the same way, we ought to think the same! While I am in the world, am I a light in the world? Music by: Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “04” (www.ourworshipsound.com)  

Happy New Year! Today's devotional is a bit of a long one (might feel more like a sermon), but this one's to start off the year strong! Hope you're blessed today by it.  What are your resolutions for 2019? Comment Below!   Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 148 1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens;    praise him in the heights above.2 Praise him, all his angels;    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.3 Praise him, sun and moon;    praise him, all you shining stars.4 Praise him, you highest heavens    and you waters above the skies. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,    for at his command they were created,6 and he established them for ever and ever—    he issued a decree that will never pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth,    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,    stormy winds that do his bidding,9 you mountains and all hills,    fruit trees and all cedars,10 wild animals and all cattle,    small creatures and flying birds,11 kings of the earth and all nations,    you princes and all rulers on earth,12 young men and women,    old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,    for his name alone is exalted;    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,    the praise of all his faithful servants,    of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the Lord.   Music by:  Marc Dtwo - "Flowetry Reborn (Instrumental)" - https://soundcloud.com/point-blank20  Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “04” (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Announcement: Today is the Last Devotional of 2018! We will be back refreshed and renewed on January 7, 2019 with fresh new content. Have a wonderful Holiday and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:3-5 3 A voice of one calling:“In the wilderness prepare    the way for the Lord;make straight in the desert    a highway for our God.4 Every valley shall be raised up,    every mountain and hill made low;the rough ground shall become level,    the rugged places a plain.5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,    and all people will see it together.For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Music by: AShamaluevMusic – “Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “04” (www.ourworshipsound.com)    

Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 51 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." -Psalm 51:10 Excerpt:  The root of every struggle and conflict comes from the sin of idolatry. Though we may not be bowing down to baal and asherah as in the Old Testament, the source of idolatry is in every essence internal as much as it is external. Idolatry is everything and anything that we desire more than God, and our search for absolution outside of Him. Music by: AShamaluevMusic – “Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “04” (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Today's Scripture Reading: 24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew 7:24-27 Excerpt: We cannot lie about the circumstances that we are in. Our spiritual foundations begin with our honesty before God - admitting our brokenness and our need for salvation. We cannot cover it up with righteousness or religion - that is but a facade which will quickly fade away. Music by: AShamaluevMusic – “Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “04” (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Announcement: This week, until this Friday the 21st, will be the last week of podcasts for the year from this channel, and we’ll be coming back in January 2019. For those of you who haven’t caught up on past episodes, I really encourage you to go back on some of them during that time and that you’ll enjoy them if you are in need of devotionals to enjoy during your holiday. Today's Scripture Reading: 15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” 20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ 22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ 23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” – Luke 14:15-24 Excerpt: Spiritual discipline in gospel living requires absolute discomfort because it tears us away from our fleshly and broken nature that holds onto false comforts. But the deception is this: that we will ultimately find comfort in what I have or what I can attain in this lifetime. The truth, is that even in our most discomforting circumstances as we practice our spiritual discipline to cling to Christ and seek to constantly be in gospel living, we will ultimately and eternally find unmatchable comfort in the peace of the Holy Spirit that transcends all of what we may have lost. Our comfort and our peace does not come in decaying creation, but only in our creator. Music by: AShamaluevMusic – “Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “01” (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Announcement: This week, until this Friday the 21st, will be the last week of podcasts for the year from this channel, and we’ll be coming back in January 2019. For those of you who haven’t caught up on past episodes, I really encourage you to go back on some of them during that time and that you’ll enjoy them if you are in need of devotionals during your holiday. Today's Scripture Reading:  “12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” - Luke 14:12-14 Excerpt: ...As believers then, we ought to be busy reaching out to the lost and carrying out the great commandment and commission. Not as a religious duty, but because we truly believe in the good news deep within our hearts and that the Holy Spirit is continuously at work in me. We need to stop praying all the time for more blessings, but instead as a result of our prayers and faith in God, each day we would become a blessing unto others even outside of our immediate circles to bring them in. If there is truly the powerful and transforming love of Christ within our churches and families, then we ought not to be afraid of bringing others in to share it with them. Music by: AShamaluevMusic – “Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Dyslm – “You Belong Here” (https://soundcloud.com/dyslmofficial)

Note to my Students: For those who are younger listeners, the english is a bit old and traditional language used in the 1800s. Despite the language, this is a message I'd really like you to hear. If you are able to be patient with it, listen carefully and skim over the words that you don't really understand. The message is still very clear if we are able to listen for it. I hope you are challenged by it today as I find it timely and very valuable and relevant for us even today. ----------------- Today's Message is an excerpt from a Christmas Sermon by Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon titled "A Christmas Question".  Charles Spurgeon was the Pastor of New Park Street Chapel (later known as Metropolitan Tablernacle) in London, England between 1854-1892.  He is today regarded as one of the most influential and revered preachers of the modern history. He was the founder of Spurgeon College which was named after him posthumously.  The message excerpt today is taken from the New Park Street Pulpit Volume 6, and delivered on December 25, 1859. ------------------- Music by: AShamaluevMusic – “Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson – Devotional Tracks – “02” (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Today's Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Excerpt: If we choose to love, we are choosing to trust God. Even if we have a hard time trusting the person and their circumstances, their track record, love them as God would love them. Love them because you trust God. Let the Lord do the rest of the transformation and shaping. Music by: AShamaluevMusic – “Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Dyslm – “You Belong Here” (https://soundcloud.com/dyslmofficial)

Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;    let them ever sing for joy.Spread your protection over them,    that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Excerpt: The Christmas season. It can be either a season of blessings, or a season of racking up the credit card bills. For some of us, we don’t spend much money at all. For some of us, we spend too much money – more than we expected. Some of us, may not feel like we have enough time to do everything we want to do. Some of us have too much time on our hands we don’t know what to do with ourselves! Although we call it a “Merry Christmas”, there are some of us here in this room today that don’t appreciate this season at all as “merry” or “joyful.” Never mind being joyful just this season, we have a hard time being joyful at all. We just want to get through this season because it reminds us of all the dysfunction and pain that is in our lives. Music by: AShamaluevMusic – “Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Dyslm - "You Belong Here" (https://soundcloud.com/dyslmofficial)  

Today's Scripture Reading: Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” - Romans 12:19 Excerpt: When somebody who has wronged you, insulted you, or caused you pain there is a broken part of us that feels ecstatic at the knowledge of those who suffer in return for their sins. Our excuse is often that they "had it coming" or "they deserve it". But in so many ways this is contradictory to the very heart of God. God does not take pleasure in punishment. Music by: AShamaluevMusic - "Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "01" (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Today's Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-14, Matthew 11:28-30 1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a]Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Excerpt: We’re so preoccupied trying to make our lives right, and worried that if we invite Jesus in that he’ll see all of our shortcomings, what we don’t have enough of. We’re so concerned that if we invite Jesus in we’d have to change everything around and that we’d have to give everything up and lose everything. We’re so preoccupied with making our home, but we must realize that God has already prepared a home for us. He has prepared it through Jesus. There is no home or life that will ever be good enough by its own merits for Jesus to reside within it. We are so preoccupied with whether we should allow Jesus into our hearts and lives. But we’ve got it completely flipped around! Some of us are constantly asking Jesus to enter our hearts. While the premise is innocent to ask Jesus of this, there is no biblical evidence to this being a proper response to the knowledge of Jesus. This is the assumption that we have power over Jesus’ presence and existence. Who are we to invite Jesus in? Are we Lord over him? Is he the needy God who is hanging by our porch at the mercy of letting him in? No, instead it is this that He invites YOU in instead. Music by: AShamaluevMusic - "Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "03" (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:1-7 1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Excerpt: Envy leads us in the direction to become more erroneous in our ways and desperate to become more earthly than to become more like Christ who is our source of life each day. When we start comparing ourselves to other people on earth, is when we've lost sight of how God perceives us - how he looks at you and I with unmatchable goodness as his creation. It is not only the destruction of our own self esteem, but also the esteem of others as it could very easily cause us to compare the ones we ought to love unconditionally with people we wish they were. Either is destructive and sinful in nature. Music by: AShamaluevMusic - "Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "03" (www.ourworshipsound.com)  

Today's Scripture Readings:  A voice of one calling in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’ - Luke 3:4-6 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. - Philippians 2:14-16 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. - Philippians 4:4-5 Excerpt: If you find yourself grumbling more than you rejoice daily, then it is likely you are far from a repentant relationship with God. Though our lives may not be looking good, the significance we place in our lives does not hang on our circumstances. They depend on the Grace of our God. The truer meaning of God’s grace shines far brighter in darkness than only in the shining lights of prosperity. This is because our significance in life is not about how things are going my way, but rejoicing because God still has his way in us - that we are loved and are saved by the blood of His Son - and none can take that away! So when we think about how bad our circumstances may be, we can think about the Lord and how he has saved us. Radical rejoicing is choosing to have the light of Jesus shine in our most darkest hours. Music by: AShamaluevMusic - "Family Christmas (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "03" (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Today's Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them Excerpt: Finding common ground with one another is to find who we were all created to look like and begin to look at the giftings that God has placed in each one of us, pressing forward for the things that matter for eternity, rather than the things about yesterday, today, or even tomorrow. This can only be worked out when we realize that my neighbor’s life was given in Grace as much as mine was – that I am no greater or lesser than my neighbor is. Music by: AShamaluevMusic - "Family Christmas" (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "03" (www.ourworshipsound.com)

Today's Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9-13 9“This, then, is how you should pray:'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'" Excerpt: You are a part of heaven. If we are a part of God's kingdom and we are destined for eternal life, then you are able to share a glimpse of that here on earth. You are filled by the Holy Spirit for a reason - so that a peace of heaven may be alive here on earth amongst death and the suffering. Through loving your neighbors, and by your very actions and prayers you bring heaven here on earth to those who may feel as though this life may be like hell to them. Music by: AShamaluevMusic - "Family Christmas" (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "01" (www.ourworshipsound.com)  

Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:10  He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Excerpt: When life gets most difficult and overwhelming, we either flee from it and hide out somewhere in our guiltiest of comforts, or we tend to respond by becoming more aggressive with the situation at hand. We work harder and become more determined to win the circumstance regardless of the outcome or to force the outcome, or give up and walk away with our heads hiding in the shade. When there is injustice in our lives we tend to respond in such ways, but Psalm 46:10 teaches us otherwise... Music by: AShamaluevMusic - "Family Christmas" (https://www.patreon.com/ashamaluevmusic) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "01" (www.ourworshipsound.com)  

Today's Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:16 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  Excerpt: As Christians we cannot be in the business of condemnation any longer and cannot keep treating compassion as charity. When we choose not to love, it is the same thing as hating and condemning. Love and restoration of God's people must become our first priority, and we can only do that when we who consider ourselves saved stop putting lines out on the water and start diving in to rescue them.  Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" ( https://soundcloud.com/7obu/nostalgia ) Dragon Roots - "fow now." ( https://soundcloud.com/dragonroot )  

Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Excerpt: Jesus was in utmost discomfort so that you and I may be comforted by His grace. He suffered and died on the cross, but also lived a completely abandoned life so that he would serve comfort for his people. He was born into a manger, he owned no home, nor did he build a wardrobe beyond what he wore that day. He abandoned what on earth we would consider all of his creation, so that you and I would know that he came only for our salvation and that we would know the greatness of his love for us. Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" ( https://soundcloud.com/7obu/nostalgia ) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "01" ( www.ourworshipsound.com ) Reference: John Calvin. (2015). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 07:19, Feb 16, 2015, from http://www.biography.com/people/john-calvin-9235788.

Today's Scripture Reading: John 3:17 (NIV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.    Excerpt: Salvation is not given to those who feel that they have overcome their sins, but rather in acknowledging that Christ died on the cross and overcame them for us. To forgive oneself means we have faith in knowing the unconditional love and forgiveness the Lord has for us. To know the depth of God's forgiveness for us is then first to take the step in forgiving ourselves. Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" ( https://soundcloud.com/7obu/nostalgia ) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "01" ( www.ourworshipsound.com )

Today's Scripture Reading: Genesis 5:23-24 (NIV) 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.  Excerpt: There is a significant intimacy in the very act of walking together and conversing with the people we love. Sometimes those walks together might be silent, but it is not just the words one shares with that person – it is just knowing that they are there with you. There are friends out there that even though you may not talk about much all the time, there is a certain trust and bond that you have that their company is enough to keep the friendship together. Walking with God at times is similar. When we look at the brief description of Enoch’s life, it states that he ”walked faithfully with God.” The Lord was so pleased with him that it says ”then he was no more, because God took him away.” There was no record of any struggle of death, no pain, nor sickness. It is almost as if he walked away with God. Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" ( https://soundcloud.com/7obu/nostalgia ) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - "05" ( www.ourworshipsound.com )    

 Today's Scripture Reading: James 1:22-25 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.  Excerpt: To read the word of God and to live it out daily is a task that requires much perseverance and a willingness to be challenged daily. In that perseverance, there is hardship, but meanwhile is a beautiful contribution to the formation of ones character. If we want to experience the fullness of what the Lord has in store within his promises, we need to take time to live being obedient to his commands. The Word of God is something that begins to work in our lives when we begin to act by it. Although at times difficult, it becomes beautiful marks and stains just as that pair of jeans becomes worn to give that beautiful patina. Scratched, frayed a bit, and stretched - but beautiful. Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" ( https://soundcloud.com/7obu/nostalgia ) Sensi Eye - "Don't be Shy" Instrumental ( https://soundcloud.com/sensisye/dontbeshyinstrumental )      

Today's Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:26-27 " 26'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold."  Excerpt: There are conflicts that seem like we are unable to move on from. There are pains that we carry with us in our sleep, and allow it to become part of our dreams. But what sort of dreams do we dream of life? what endeavors do we want to pursue? People differentiate the dreams we have in our sleep versus the ones we have in our fantasy and hope for. But in reality the dream we do remember is the one we want to pursue. Our bitterness and unforgiveness becomes the strangling hold on the dreams that we actually desire to come true. Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" ( https://soundcloud.com/7obu/nostalgia ) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 04 (http://ourworshipsound.com)    

Today's Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:5-6 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have,because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Excerpt: You are not Forgotten. There is nothing more perfect and nothing more good than what God gives us, and nothing more true and right than God himself who never would, nor ever could forget us. If we believe in an Omniscient (all-knowing) God, then it is imperative for us to understand that you are never gone from his mind. Music by:  Tobu - "Nostalgia" ( https://soundcloud.com/7obu/nostalgia ) Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 04 (http://ourworshipsound.com)

Today's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31 Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 04

Today's Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:16-18 Music by: Tobu - "Nostalgia" Peter Thompson - Devotional Tracks - 06