Daily Devotions and More for Friday, August 21, 2020
MerkV814
Friday, August 21, 2020
It is a great mistake to think of being great without goodness; and I pronounce it as certain that there was never yet a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous. -- Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790) American Statesman and Scientist
* All great change in America begins at the dinner table. -- Ronald Regan, Former President
* The sun looks down on nothing half so good as a household laughing together over a meal. -- C.S. Lewis, Christian Apologist
* Family, like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one. -- Unknown
* Homemaking is surely in reality the most important work in the world. What do ships, railways, mines, cars, government, etc. exist for except that people may be fed, warmed, and safe in their own homes? The homemaker’s job is one for which all other’s exist. -- C.S. Lewis, Christian Apologist
* God has a plan for you. It takes being strong, courageous and tough. You have to believe in God’s vision for you even though you don’t understand it, don’t believe it and certainly cannot grasp what it involves. It takes a strong person to hang on tight and go where you cannot see or understand. -- Melinda Clement
Beautifully Paneled Houses
Scripture Reading — Haggai 1
“Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” — Haggai 1:3-4
After the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, they began to prosper. They started rebuilding the temple which had been ruined by the Babylonians. But the people of other religions who lived in the land sent letters to Babylon and complained that the Jews were preparing to revolt. For that and other reasons, the rebuilding of the temple stopped.
It seems that the Jews began with a will to rebuild the temple, but when opposition arose, they faltered and lost focus. They transferred their energy to building and beautifying their own houses. It took the searing words of Haggai to call them back to the priority of rebuilding God’s temple.
In the world today, we must not be discouraged by the struggle it takes to build Christ’s church. The forces of the devil will try to overcome it, but Jesus will prevail (Matthew 16:18). Remember what Jesus said: “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
It’s not that God necessarily wants you to live in a bleak apartment without beautiful paneling. But if that’s what it takes to build God’s kingdom, we must be willing to sacrifice. Our treasures are in heaven.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes we grow weary of the spiritual warfare we are engaged in. Help us not to settle for secondary priorities when they tempt us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
George Young
email: to...@thisistoday.net
TODAY is copyright © 2017, the BTGH
The Sign
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: Believe in Miracles
By Leona Campbell
There is always another layer of awareness, understanding, and delight to be discovered through synchronistic and serendipitous events. -- Hannelie Venucia
The small cardboard sign tacked on the fence post read: "Horse for Sale — $50."
"Stop! Pull over!" I yelled at my husband. He slammed on the brakes, fearing we’d run over something, and eased the truck to the side of the road. (Keep reading)
Reprinted by permission of Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
Our New Home
No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city. Revelation 22:3
Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:1–5
As the first immigrant to the US to pass through Ellis Island in 1892, Annie Moore must have felt incredible excitement at the thought of a new home and a fresh start. Millions would pass through there afterward. Just a teenager, Annie had left behind a difficult life in Ireland to start a new one. Carrying only a little bag in her hand, she came with lots of dreams, hopes, and expectations of a land of opportunity.
How much more excitement and awe will God’s children experience when we see “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). We will enter what the book of Revelation calls “the Holy City, the new Jerusalem” (v. 2). The apostle John describes this amazing place with powerful imagery. There will be “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (22:1). Water represents life and abundance, and its source will be the eternal God Himself. John says that “no longer will there be any curse” (v. 3). The beautiful, pure relationship God intended between Himself and humans will be fully restored.
How incredible to know that God, who loves His children and purchased us with the life of His Son, is preparing such an amazing new home—where He Himself will live with us and be our God (21:3).
By Estera Pirosca Escobar
REFLECT & PRAY
Father, thank You for Your love! We’re excited as we wait for that day when we will live in peace with You and each other in heaven.
What comes to mind when you think about heaven? How does this passage from Revelation encourage you?
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of what the future will be like when we exist together with God in eternity. Chapters 21-22 list a variety of “new” things we’ll experience in the new heaven and new earth. In today’s passage, we see the existence of two trees of life—or one tree that spans both sides of the river (22:2). Access to the tree of life was lost when Adam and Eve were banished from the garden (see Genesis 3:24). In the new heaven, its fruit, seemingly meant to be consumed, will always be available. The tree of life underscores the idea that life in the kingdom is ongoing. -- J.R. Hudberg
Our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.
Our Daily Bread Ministries 2020
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Today’s Video: 'Split The Sea' Hannah Kerr (David Hamilton Arrangement) Official Video
“I believe
Every promise that You've spoken
I believe
You are faithful every moment
It may look impossible
But You're the God of miracles
You have always made a way for me
You can still split the sea”
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Today’s Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:12 ... 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
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Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 5:15-20 ... 15 Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. 16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? 17 Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. 18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love. 20 Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
Our Daily Journey with God
Wings over the Mountains of Life
A MountainWings Moment
What Can You Use?
Direct link: www.CoachB.tv/0678
Heloise Hints—Homestyle Cleaning Solutions
Metal Window Blind Cleaner
16 ounces tap water
1 tablespoon clear ammonia (non-sudsing)
1 drop lavender, peppermint, lemon or other essential oil
Fill a spray bottle and label.
Use old cotton socks to wipe away that grime, but if the blinds are really dusty vacuum first, using the furniture (brush type) attachment. Spray the sock (not the blind) with the cleaner and wipe horizontally first, then vertically.
This mixture costs less than a nickel to make!
Feelings are much like waves,
we can’t stop them from coming ,
but we can choose which ones to surf.
-- Jonatan Martensson
Beautiful Reality
Act not out of judgment, but out of love. Live not from a position of fear, but from a perspective of joy.
Let go of the need to prove how good you are. Live in such a way that real goodness, joy and generosity flow naturally from all you do.
Instead of seeking to gain more advantage, discover new ways to give more value. Instead of worrying about what might be, live the immense treasure of what already is.
Don’t waste your time looking for happiness in this thing or that. Let happiness always find you right where you are, doing whatever you are doing.
See life not as a contest where some must lose in order for others to win. See it as an opportunity to lift yourself higher by lifting many, many others through your unique gifts.
Let go of the illusion that you must struggle. And let in the beautiful reality of how very good life can be.
Copyright Ralph S. Marston, Jr. Used by permission. From The Daily Motivator® at www.dailymotivator.com
DON'T EVER FORGET THAT YOU ARE UNIQUE
Be your best self and not an imitation of someone else. find your strength and use them in a positive way.
Don't listen to those who ridicule the choices you make. Travel the road that you have chosen and don't look back with regret.
You have to take chances to make your dreams happen. Remember that there is plenty of time to travel another road - and still another in your journey through life.
Take the time to take the route that is right for you. You will learn something valuable every trip you take, so don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Tell yourself that you're okay as the way you are. make friends who respect your true self.
Take the time to be alone, too, so you can know just how terrific your own company be.
Remember that being alone doesn't always mean being lonely, it can be beautiful experience of finding your creativity, your heartfelt feelings, and the clam and quiet peace deep inside you.
Don't ever forget that you are special and you have within you the ability to make your dreams come true.
-- Jacqueline Schiff
Close the Gate
For this one farmer the worries are over,
Lie down and rest your head,
Your time has been and struggles enough,
Put the tractor in the shed.
Years were not easy, many downright hard,
But your faith in God transcended.
Put away your tools and sleep in peace.
The fences have all been mended.
You raised a fine family, worked the land well
And always followed the Son,
Hang up your shovel inside of the barn;
Your work here on earth is done.
A faith few possess led your journey through life,
Often a jagged and stony way,
The sun is setting; the cattle are all bedded,
And here now is the end of your day.
Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin,
The stories flow like fine wine,
Wash off your work boots in the puddle left
By blessed rain one final time.
You always believed that the good Lord would provide
And he always had somehow.
So take off your gloves and put them down,
No more sweat and worry for you now.
Your labor is done; your home now is heaven,
No more must you wait.
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land,
And now we will close the gate.
Nancy Kraayenhof
Hutchinson Hearld
July 18, 2012
Dear Heavenly Father,
When I look at the state of the world, the complacency, the lifestyles that so many are involved in, and the attitudes and actions of many people today, I ask You to show me how to help others, to introduce them to You, to lead them to experience Your love and freedom.
Please work through me.
Use my life to be Your witness.
Use me as a worker for Your cause, which is much greater than anything I could do by myself.
Please guide and bless my efforts and bring glory to Yourself.
Thank You, Lord.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
Giving
Read: Mark 12:41-44
This poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had to live on. (vv. 43-44)
In these verses, Jesus is watching as people are dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. Many well-to-do people put in large amounts of money. But a poor widow drops in just two copper coins. It isn’t much, but to Jesus it’s the most generous of gifts because it’s all she has to live on.
It’s interesting that when Jesus wants to say something about giving, he puts the spotlight on this woman. We all have given gifts to the church or to charity that far exceed what this woman gave. Yet, to Jesus, this was the greatest gift because she gave all she had. Jesus is saying that real giving must be sacrificial. In other words, it is not much of a gift if we give only what we can spare.
One Sunday after listening to the pastor’s sermon a young boy asked the deacon to put the offering plate on the floor. He then put both feet into the plate and in all sincerity said to the deacon, “Mister, I don’t have any money, but if Jesus did all that the minister said he did, just for me, I will gladly give myself to him.” The little boy got the message—have you?
As you pray, ask God to help you to trust him whether you have little or much.
— John Koedyker; Words of Hope
Here’s to Your Health
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Taking a bite out of heart disease
By Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
In order to prepare for the lead role in the 2013 biopic "Jobs," Ashton Kutcher opted for a fruitarian diet. Guess he wanted to get inside the insides of Steve Jobs, a sometimes fruit-centered eccentric. It landed Kutcher in the hospital with serious pancreas problems. (Jobs died of pancreatic cancer.) Clearly, it's possible to have too much of a good thing.
That's not the problem for most Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most folks eat far too few fruits -- or vegetables. Only 12% of you eat 1.5-2 cups of fruit daily (the minimum recommendation for basic survival!), and only 9% consume the minimum of 2-3 cups of veggies a day.
The consequences are more serious than Ashton's temporary meltdown: According to a paper presented at Nutrition 2019, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, as many as one in seven cardiovascular deaths worldwide may be related to not eating enough fruit, and one in 12 deaths could be from insufficient vegetable intake.
Fiber, vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients in fruits and veggies help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, and a hearty diet of fruits and veggies is associated with a 31% reduction in premature death and a lower cancer risk. So amp up your intake with, for example, a small apple, 32 seedless grapes or eight large strawberries and three long spears of broccoli, two medium carrots, one large tomato or one baked sweet potato over the course of your day.
Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic and Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and. To live your healthiest, visit www.sharecare.com.
Today’s Recipe …
SPECIAL POTATOES AND HAM
3 pounds Russet Or Yukon Gold Potatoes, Washed Thoroughly
2 Tbsp Land O’ Lakes Butter
1 whole Yellow Onion, Diced
3 cups Diced Ham
1-1/2 cup Half-and-half
1-1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1/4 cup Flour
Black Pepper To Taste
1 cup Kraft Grated Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Grated Kraft Monterey Jack Cheese
Chopped Parsley (optional)
Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a large casserole dish.
Heat butter in a large skillet. Add onions and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they start to turn translucent. Add ham and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine half-and-half and cream in a microwave-safe container and nuke for a minute or so, until no longer cold. Whisk in flour and black pepper until totally combined. Set aside. (You may add salt, but cheese and ham are salty, so add sparingly.)
Combine the two grated cheeses. Set aside.
Using a mandoline or slicer, slice potatoes into 1/8-inch slices (very thin.) Layer 1/3 of the potato slices in the buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle on 1/3 of the ham/onion mixture, then 1/3 of the cheese, then pour on 1/3 of the cream mixture.
Repeat this twice more, ending with a sprinkling of cheese and a pouring on of the rest of the cream mixture. Cover dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes at least, or until bubbly and hot.
Cut into squares and serve. Sprinkle on chopped parsley if you’d like!
What’s on the Web?
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iMom Espresso Minute … Should I Force My Child to Play Sports?
This past spring, we all felt the loss of team sports. We couldn't watch them on TV, participate in them, or sit on a hard bench while our kid practiced one for two hours on a Thursday night. We sacrifice for our kids who thrive by playing on a team. But what about the other child—the one who isn't as interested?
Many parents believe that playing a team sport is extremely valuable for kids. Important life lessons are learned and character is developed. But what if your child is miserable? Should I force my child to play sports? Here's your answer.
Pillow Talk: Ask your kids, “What is your favorite way to exercise?"
Word of the Day: Avant-Garde
ah-vant-GARD
Part of speech: adjective
Origin: French, early 20th century
1 Favoring or introducing experimental or unusual ideas.
Examples of Avant-Garde in a sentence
"The student art show promised many avant-garde pieces."
"The design was a little too avant-garde for me."
About Avant-Garde
Avant-garde is used as an adjective to describe something unusual or experimental. It can also be used as a noun to refer to these out-there ideas, or the people introducing them. You might meet the avant-garde at an avant-garde art gallery.
Did you Know?
Avant-garde, while commonly used to refer to the arts, can also describe cultural change. Ideas of progress and social change can be avant-garde in one decade, and accepted as the norm in another.
AVOID THESE INEFFECTIVE FACE MASKS
Three Steps to Help You Battle Anxiety and Depression during Covid-19
Dr. Jack Graham
The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has brought fear, chaos, grief and isolation into our lives in a way many of us have never experienced. Every day, I hear about strained marriages, lonely seniors, anxious students, despairing business owners and grieving families who’ve lost someone to the virus.
Today’s Video – It’s more than a Christmas Carol
Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem
The popular carol “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem” is so much more than a tune we enjoy at Christmastime. The gospels of Matthew and Luke mention the location of Bethlehem, or town of David as it was also called, nine times. So why is the location of Christ’s birth so important? Jack Beck explains.
English
The Correct Way to Use Bullet Points
As a general rule, bullet points are used to list items of equal importance. Here's how to use them correctly.
Does the Bible Prescribe That a Wife Should Stay with an Abusive Husband?
Carolyn McCulley
The MountainWings Power Minute 60 Seconds of Living Power
Ebbs And Flows Of Life
http://www.powerminute.com/p/pm2020-06-03.mp3
The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast with Amy Newmark:
Everyday Miracles Are All Around If We Keep Our Eyes Open
Compiled by Marilyn L. Van Driesen
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