Daily Devotions and More for Tuesday, July 21, 2020
MerkV814
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
< Happy Racial Harmony Day > July 21
For Racial Harmony
God and Father of all,
in your love
you made all the nations of the world
to be a family,
and your Son taught us to love one another.
Yet our world is riven apart
with prejudice, arrogance, and pride.
Help the different races
to love and understand one another better.
Increase among us sympathy,
tolerance, and goodwill,
that we may learn to appreciate the gifts
that other races bring to us,
and to see in all people
our brothers and sisters for whom Christ died.
Save us from jealousy, hatred, and fear,
and help us to live together
as members of one family at home in the world,
sons and daughters of one Father
who live in the liberty of the children of God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland
(Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press, 1994)
* What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882) American essayist
* What we need to discover now in the social realm is the moral equivalent of war; something heroic that will speak to man as universally as war does, and yet will be as compatible with their spiritual selves as war has proved to be incompatible. -- William James (1842 - 1910) American Philosopher and Psychologist
* Opportunities don't happen. You create them. -- Chris Grosser via The Diabetes Daily Team
* Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. -- George Bernard Shaw
* The more you complain, the less you obtain. -- Coach Bronner
* Stop trying to repair what God wants to replace. -- M. Moore Jr.
Jephthah's Bargain
Scripture Reading — Judges 11:29-36
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. — Galatians 5:25
Before going into battle, Jephthah made a vow: if God would give him victory, he would sacrifice whatever met him when he returned home. Jephthah won the battle and kept his foolish vow, at the cost of his daughter’s life.
Proverbs 20:25 teaches: “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.” Think before you speak; make your vows in line with the right and good will of the Lord.
In the days of the judges, however, people did what was right in their own eyes. On that note Proverbs says: “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (12:15).
Jephthah made his foolish vow even after the Spirit of the Lord had moved him. But then, if you live in a culture defined by what is right in your own eyes, it’s not uncommon to speak before you think and to avoid reflecting on the motivations of the Holy Spirit.
As believers in Christ today, we can live by the Spirit, asking God for wisdom every step of the way (James 1:5). As Paul urges us in Galatians 5, “walk by the Spirit” and “keep in step with the Spirit,” turning away from the desires and foolishness of the sinful nature (see 5:13-26).
Prayer: Keep me, Lord, from making rash promises; by your Spirit, help me live and walk closely with you. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
Arie Leder
email: to...@thisistoday.net
TODAY is copyright © 2017, the BTGH
A Lesson in Faith
From
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Believe in Miracles
By Linda Mello
Your future is as bright as your faith. -- Author Unknown
At age eight, I was celebrating my First Holy Communion with the Catholic Church. My mother asked me to open the red velvet box that she placed in my hands. I opened the box and let out a childish squeal. It was a golden cross dangling on a dainty chain. I had never seen anything so pretty. My mother took the cross from the box and put it around my neck. She told me the cross would always remind me of my faith. Little did I know the impact that necklace would have on my faith in the coming years.
The ceremony lasted about an hour, and it was one of those moments I would never forget. I still recall walking up the aisle when the ceremony was over and watching all the parents smiling at us. I looked at my mother, and she had a radiant smile on her face. As I smiled back at her, the sunbeam from the window behind her reflected off my cross. It lit up briefly with white and gold bouncing lights. It was a magical moment. (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.
Who Is He?
Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:10
Scripture Reading: Psalm 24
On our way home from our honeymoon, my husband and I waited to check in our luggage at the airport. I nudged him and pointed to a man standing a few feet away.
My spouse squinted. “Who is he?”
I excitedly rattled off the actor’s most notable roles, then walked up and asked him to take a photo with us. Twenty-four years later, I still enjoy sharing the story of the day I met a movie star.
Recognizing a famous actor is one thing, but there’s Someone more important I’m thankful to know personally. “Who is this King of glory?” (Psalm 24:8). The psalmist David points to the Lord Almighty as Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all. He sings, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters” (vv. 1-2). In awestruck wonder, David proclaims God is above all, yet intimately approachable (vv. 3-4). We can know Him, be empowered by Him, and trust Him to fight on our behalf, as we live for Him (v. 8).
God provides opportunities for us to declare Him as the only Famous One truly worth sharing with others. As we reflect His character, those who don’t recognize Him can have more reasons to ask, “Who is He?” Like David, we can point to the Lord with awestruck wonder and tell His story!
By Xochitl Dixon
REFLECT & PRAY
Lord, thanks for blessing us with the pleasure and privilege of seeking You and giving us opportunities to share You with others every day.
What has the Lord shown you about Himself? How might you share that with someone?
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 24 is often paired with Psalm 15 as a liturgy that was sung when people entered the temple for worship. In Psalm 24:7-10 David describes the God who deserves our worship. He is the “King of glory” and the “Almighty.” The Hebrew word for glory, kābôd, literally means “weight, substance, significance”; it emphasizes God’s status and splendor. The word translated Almighty suggests the idea of God conquering and ruling in a battle or an army.
Both psalms identify who can enter the Lord’s “mountain”: one “whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous” (15:2); “one who has clean hands and a pure heart” (24:4). The Hebrew word for blameless means “without defect.” This word is used elsewhere to describe both the righteous (2 Samuel 22:24) and acceptable sacrifices (Leviticus 14:10; 22:19). However, it’s impossible to be “righteous” or “blameless” on our own. It’s only through Christ’s sacrifice that we can be declared righteous (Philippians 3:8-9). -- Julie Schwab
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Today’s Video: A Cappella Rendition Of 'Ride Out Your Storm' From Kelsie May
“You've been in the storm, it seems like forever
And your night of confusion, has been oh so long
Your ship has lost anchor, and the storms got you drifting
But the night's almost over, so ride out your storm”
“Ride out your storm, God's right there with you
You may not feel Him, but you're not alone
You're hurting now, but your morning is coming
Just hold on to Jesus and ride out your storm”
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Today’s Verse: Mark 12:30 … 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
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Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 2:8 … He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints
Our Daily Journey with God
Wings over the Mountains of Life
A MountainWings Moment
Don’t Cheat Yourself
Direct link: www.CoachB.tv/0394
Agree or Disagree? True religion is the life we lead, not the creed we profess. -- Louis Nizer (1902 - 1994) American Lawyer
Voice of the Day:
* We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers. Our power is in our ability to make things unworkable. The only weapon we have is our bodies. And we need to tuck them in places so wheels don't turn. -- Bayard Rustin
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Prayer of the Day:
I open my heart wide to receive the love of God.
As I receive God’s love as universal supply,
all my affairs are healed.
I realize and accept the healing power of the
Universe as love, and I allow the healing power
that is love to penetrate my life.
I readily accept the healing power of love
in my life as I know that as love,
God is my unlimited and
abundant supply made manifest.
I feel the outpouring of God’s love,
in my mind, body and soul.
I feel God’s love in my affairs,
and I know all is well.
-- Anonymous
Your mission
Discipline is the fuel of achievement. Creativity sparks the flame, passion fans the fire, and discipline keeps it going for as long as it takes.
Disciplining yourself can be tedious, annoying, inconvenient and even agonizing. And yet, the results brought about by self-discipline cannot be reached in any other way. Discipline puts your most incredible dreams within reach. With self-discipline, you can make the best of your possibilities come to life.
But how do you bring yourself to that level of discipline? You get there by knowing what you absolutely must do, and knowing that through self-discipline you can make it happen. What do you know in your heart that you are truly meant to accomplish? When you experience life as a mission, the discipline you need will be there.
Discipline and focus, applied consistently over time, can take you to truly amazing places. Where is it that you are uniquely suited to go?
Copyright Ralph S. Marston, Jr. Used by permission. From The Daily Motivator® at www.dailymotivator.com
EVERYONE IS INVITED
The Core Club of New York City promises the good life. You can eat the best meals, meet interesting people, and have access to boats, airplanes, and hard-to-get theater tickets. However, this Club experience is not open to everyone. To join this exclusive group, you need to pay a $50,000 initiation fee and a $15,000 annual fee.
Can you believe it?!
THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST
In the quiet beauty of the night,
His Presence seems like a brilliant Light.
His purpose for me is clearly shown,
To the lost souls, make His Gospel known.
In the bustling confusion of the day,
His near Presence is with me always.
He plainly shows what He wants of me,
Try to change a lost soul’s destiny.
His near Presence, is encouraging,
All the day long, my heart wants to sing.
His purpose for me, He shows so clear,
Boldly bring His Gospel, with no fear.
His majestic Presence makes me glow,
‘Tis a privilege, my Saviour to know.
“Go ye therefore,” He clearly demands,
His desire: that I obey His command.
Tho’ persecution abound, far and near,
I must serve my Master, with no fear.
Man can hurt my body, but ne’er my soul,
For my Saviour, is always in control.
A far better thing, to be with my Lord,
Service to Him will bring great rewards.
His awesome Presence now, comfort brings,
As He rains on me, abundant blessings.
By: His servant, Connie Kramer Sept. 9, 2001
Dear Father God,
Please give me an insatiable desire and thirst for spending time with Jesus, Your Living Word, my Savior.
Open my eyes that I may see myself as You see me.
That I may see and love others from Your viewpoint.
That You would be the absolute center and guiding light of my life.
Refresh my life that I may walk with You in quiet places, in heavenly places and throughout all of my life into eternity.
Thank You, God, my source of life.
Bless You, Lord.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Another Look at Creation
Read: John 1:1-14
In the beginning was the Word. (v. 1)
It’s no coincidence that the opening words of John 1 echo Genesis 1. Each Gospel creates a historical platform for Jesus. Mark starts with John the Baptist, Matthew goes all the way to Abraham, Luke goes further yet and looks to Adam, but John goes furthest, to the very beginning. Before anyone was, the Word was, and everything God spoke into creation was spoken through his Word. When we proclaim, “Jesus is Lord,” the natural question is, “Who is Jesus?” John’s answer is that Jesus is the one who spoke the universe into being and holds it together.
John 1 is often called the “Prologue” to John, but missionary theologian Lesslie Newbigin suggests a more accurate title would be “Overture” (The Light Has Come, p. 1). Just as all the major themes are briefly touched on in a proper musical overture, so too all the themes of John’s Gospel are touched on in our text, including life, light and darkness, grace, truth, and glory. John is a great writer (for example, see chapters 3, 9, and 11). Here in his first chapter, he is warming up, setting the stage for what’s to come.
As Genesis 1 is bedrock to our faith, so is John 1. The Christian faith contends that not only did God create, but God visited: “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . . full of grace and truth” (v. 14). This passage sets the stage for John 3:16: the Creator moves toward us with love and grace!
As you pray, thank God for his grace and truth.
—Jeff Munroe; Words of Hope
Here’s to Your Health
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Prostate Cancer Therapy and Dementia: The Link Gets StrongerDetermining the best treatment(s) for PCa is challenging. Hormone suppression is common. Is there a link between this prostate cancer therapy and dementia?
Today’s Recipe …
DUTCH OVEN ROASTED CHICKEN
1 large whole chicken (6-9 pounds)
1 large onion
3-4 carrots
2-3 celery ribs
4-5 garlic cloves
Salt, pepper and dried oregano, to taste
Preheat your oven to 325F
Cut the onion into 4 pieces and break the carrots and celery ribs into 2 to 3 pieces. Smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife. Don't bother peeling your vegetables, that precaution won't be necessary.
Sprinkle a little bit of salt, pepper and dried oregano in the chicken's cavity, then stuff it with the onions, about half the carrots, celery and garlic.
Arrange the rest of the carrots, celery and garlic at the bottom of a 7-quart Dutch oven. Place your chicken over those vegetables and then sprinkle it generously with more salt, pepper and dried oregano.
Put the lid on and place your chicken in the oven for 4 to 5 hours, basting it every hour or so, until it's fall-off-the-bone tender and displays a nice golden skin.
Serve without delay.
NOTES:
This method of cooking chicken naturally generates a beautiful, tasty broth. Whatever you do, do not discard that! You can even make more broth by returning the bones and vegetables you had stuffed inside the chicken to the Dutch oven, top all that with water and then put it back in the oven for an additional 5 to 6 hours, then strain.
What’s on the Web?
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All-Pro Dad Play of the Day … How to Confess to Your Wife without Killing Your Marriage
Before I got married, I read a lot about
the importance of communication in marriage. How hard can that be? I wondered. What's so difficult about
talking to each other? Little did I realize how much is packed
into that one word. There are some big picture rules to live by that can lead
to a happy and healthy marriage and several of them can be boiled down to
simple, specific words and principles.
That's great news for those of us who feel overwhelmed by the idea of finding
time to read another marriage book (or convincing our husbands to read it with
us!). So here, in just 38 words, is how to have a good marriage.
Focus on one set of words per week and notice the changes in your home.
Pillow Talk: Ask your kids, “What are your three favorite words
Word of the Day: Wistful
WIS(T)-fəl
Part of speech: adjective
Origin: Middle English, early 17th century
1 Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
Examples of Wistful in a sentence
"She always felt wistful during the winter months."
"Running into his ex-girlfriend made him feel a bit wistful, but he was happy for her."
About Wistful
Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming and feeling a bit sad? That feeling of longing or slight regret can be described as wistful. You might feel wistful when remembering a past relationship or an opportunity that you missed. It's quite a romantic word to express your feelings.
Did you Know?
There's a whole range of emotions in between happy and sad, and there are words to describe them. Wistful, a vague feeling of longing or regret, comes from a no longer used word (wistly) for intently, and the word wishful. When you're feeling wistful, you might want to focus on your hopes for the future, rather than past regrets.
Dog Gets the Last Laugh
https://biggeekdad.com/2015/04/the-ditched-dog/
By Patty Gibbons Saunier
English
How Are New Words Created?
Have you ever experienced “textpectation,” or the anticipation before receiving a response to a text? That’s a new word created by blending two different words together. Blending is just one way of creating new words.
Are You A-Where of These Regional Terms?
Rob Kyff
Despite the homogenization of American language during the past century, many delightful words unique to a certain region survive. Can you match each regional term with its definition AND select the region or state where it flourishes?
Regions: New England, New York, Pennsylvania, South, Southwest, Alaska.
Terms:
1. Intervale.
2. Tumbleset.
3. Stateside.
4. Stob.
5. Mozo.
6. Slatch.
7. Stoop.
8. Hosey.
9. Gum band.
10. Wanigan.
Definitions:
A. A lull between waves or wind gusts.
B. "Choose" in "I hosey" when choosing sides in a children's game.
C. A somersault.
D. The 48 contiguous states.
E. An addition to a trailer.
F. An assistant.
G. A tract of low-lying land, especially along a river.
H. A porch or staircase at the entrance to a building.
I. A wooden stake.
J. A rubber band.
Answers (with help from the fascinating Regional Notes in the American Heritage Dictionary):
1. Intervale: G. New England. A village on flat land along the Saco River in northern New Hampshire is actually named Intervale.
2. Tumbleset: C. South. "Set" is a variant of the French "sault," from the Latin "saltus" (a leap), hence, "tumble leap."
3. Stateside: D. Alaska. "Stateside," often used by Americans abroad to describe their home country, is also an Alaskan term for the Lower 48.
4. Stob: I. South. "Stob" is a variant of "stub"; both derive from the Middle English "stubbe," a tree stump.
5. Mozo: F. Southwest. Spanish for "young man," "mozo" originally denoted an extra hand on a cattle roundup or ranch; it has evolved into a general term for an assistant or helper.
6. Slatch: A. New England. "Slatch" derives from the Old English "slaec," the same root that gives us "slack."
7. Stoop: H. New York. "Stoop," from the Dutch "stoep" (front verandah), survives from the 17th-century Dutch settlement of New York City and its environs.
8. Hosey: B. New England. "I hosey" may come from the French "je choisis" (I choose) or the pronunciation of "choose" with a heavy Irish brogue.
9. Gum band: J. Pennsylvania. Many Pennsylvanians are of German descent, and "gum band" is a variant of the German word for rubber band -- "Gummiband."
10. Wanigan: E. Alaska. "Wanigan," derived from the Ojibiwa "waanikaan" (storage pit), originally denoted a small shed towed behind a tractor or train as a shelter for a work crew. (In New England, a "wanigan" is a boat or chest filled with supplies for a cabin or lumber camp.)
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Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Connecticut, invites your language sightings. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to Wor...@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
Anchored in Truth
Do you ever feel as if you don’t measure up? That you aren’t worthy, capable, or enough? Today’s video is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone. God is with you and you are His beloved.
Is putting others first a revolutionary idea?—Nobel Plaza, Sweden
Bigger Than You Think
http://www.powerminute.com/p/pm2020-05-05.mp3
The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast with Amy Newmark:
Marriage Means Happiness Ever Laughter
Compiled by Marilyn L. Van Driesen
PASS IT ON!
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