NIV 365 / Last Day of the Year!

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 365 of 365 Last Day of the Year! *What has been your favorite part of this year? *What is something that you have learned this year? If you started this series of daily devotions at the beginning of the year, then you've finished. Congratulations! If you didn't start this series at the beginning of the year, then hopefully you'll keep right on going! Devotions are a great way to study God's Word and get to know God's will. In Psalm 40, David wrote that he kept God's law within his heart. That's something we can do too, to keep God's truth in the innermost part of ourselves where no one can ever take it away. An awesome way to keep God's Word close is through memorization. We may have been encouraged to memorize verses in Sunday school. Or we may have memorized poems in school. Memorizing God's Word shouldn't feel like an obligation. If we do it because we think we have to, then the Word will be stored in our minds but not our hearts. So let's think about giving it a try. If we do, we will etch God's truths right into the fabric of our being. Prayer Dear God, thank you for giving us so many ways to learn about you. We can never thank you enough for your Word. Please help us to learn it, understand it and keep it within our hearts. Amen. Taken from Once a Day At the Table Psalms 40:8 Psalms 40:8 KJV 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

NIV 365 / The Wise Men Arrive

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 364 of 365 The Wise Men Arrive *How do you suppose the myth that the wise men were at the manger got started? *Why is it meaningful that they brought very expensive gifts to Jesus? If we were to ask people who aren't familiar with the Bible who came to visit Jesus on the night he was born, they would probably look at the closest nativity scene and name Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the angel above the stable and the wise men. And we would have to tell them their answer is incorrect. There were no wise men at the manger. They didn't show up until months later, when Jesus and his family were living in a house. And as long as we're talking about myths, we should point out that there weren't necessarily three wise men. The wise men, or Magi, brought three gifts to Jesus, but that doesn't mean there were three givers. What we do know is that the Magi were kings from the East. They saw a star, realized it meant that the King of kings had been born, and followed it to Jesus' house. There they presented him with gold, incense and myrrh. The fact that kings from a distant land knew who Jesus was and where he could be found shows us that God's hand was at work in every part of the Christmas story. For that, we can praise him. Prayer Dear God, on this Christmas Day, we thank you for the evidence in your Word that supports our faith. You are the truth, and we put our belief in you. Amen. Taken from Once a Day At the Table Matthew 2:11 Matthew 2:11 KJV 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

NIV 365 / Cast of Characters

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 363 of 365 Cast of Characters If a public relations firm were to plan the introduction of God's Son on earth, whom would they invite? Certainly not the group Luke introduces. No Roman emperor or Greek philosopher attended. Instead, Luke tells of an obscure priest and his wife, a carpenter and his young fiancée, a group of shepherds, and two elderly people. Jesus never had much to do with the high and mighty, except during his trial and execution. He would change the world through the lives of ordinary people. Taken from NIV Student Bible Luke 1:40 Luke 1:40 KJV 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

NIV 365 / Promised His Son

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 362 of 365 Promised His Son In the eighth century BC, "because of the sins of the people of Israel" (Micah 1:5), God stirred up an obscure prophet named Micah to speak stern words of warning and judgment. As with all the other Old Testament prophetic books, it's hard to read these seven short chapters without wincing and cringing. And yet the inspired Micah includes a few promising notes of hope. He reminds us that while God is holy and just, he's also gracious and faithful and loving. One promise that would have been precious beyond words to Micah's original audience? The one above - that from the tiny, insignificant village of Bethlehem would come a ruler with origins from before time. A king who would shepherd the nation with great strength (see 5:4). A king who would bring ultimate security (see 5:4) and personify peace (see 5:5). Can you use divine strength and peace this Christmas season? Trust in the King who was born in the manger of Bethlehem. God's Promise to Me *I am faithful even when my people are faithless. *The child of Bethlehem is the King of kings! My Prayer to God Father, this Christmas I praise you for loving me enough to send your Son. Help me to focus on your divine strength and peace. Taken from Once a Day Bible Promises Micah 5:2 Micah 5:2 KJV 2 But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

NIV 365 / Meditation

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 361 of 365 Meditation The angels rejoiced at the beginning of time, reveling in God's awesome creation, perhaps the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. How sad it must have been, later, for the two of them who were chosen to guard the garden gate against reentry by those two people whose sins we are all now born into. But the angels, because they live in his presence, know the character of God. And so they waited. They longed to look into the mysterious promises that the prophets were bringing, the coming grace of God, but they were mostly silent. They longed for the day of our redemption, yet they were mostly invisible. They sometimes appeared, one or two at a time, throughout the Old Testament when God sent them as messengers or sometimes as heavenly hosts in great spiritual battles. But mostly they waited . . . eagerly. So when one of them was sent to tell the shepherds that the news of God's grace had reached them too, that a baby had been born, the Messiah, who would bring great joy to all people, the angels could remain quiet no longer. All heaven broke loose. And for a moment, in that field, the supernatural broke through the barrier of our natural world in a glorious celebration of our salvation. Before we knew that God was coming for us, the angels knew. And they interrupted our earthly monotony with song: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14). What was so wonderful to the angels that they could not restrain their adoration should be a wonder to us too. This Christmas, let us remember that the miracle of our salvation is truly that, a great and glorious miracle, one that sent angels into glorious raptures of praise. And let us pray that our God will interrupt our lives with the joy of this message, just as he did for those shepherds in the field. Prayer Lord God, you are the sovereign, majestic and transcendent ruler of all things, both visible and invisible, past and present. The angelic hosts of heaven serve you continually to accomplish your perfect will. Break into our lives, interrupt our routines, open our blinded eyes and stir our calloused hearts to reveal how amazing your plan truly is. I recognize that in this life I see so little and know only part. Yet the time is coming when I will see you face to face. The joy of my salvation is my strength. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Taken from Once a Day 25 Days of Advent Romans 8:38-39 Romans 8:38-39 KJV 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

NIV 365 / Meditation

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 360 of 365 Meditation God does things we would never think of. And he does things in ways we think would never work. But God's ways are so much wiser than any of our plans. Imagine if God had chosen to come to earth as a grown man. He then might have been more of what his people were expecting as they looked for the Messiah that had been promised. But a baby? How can a child, who is helpless and totally dependent, be the Messiah? None of what happened that day in that stable, among the animals, was grand. God the Father gave his Son a completely humble birth and an almost regular childhood. "And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him" (Luke 2:40). And, against all kinds of opposition, this tiny baby will be the one to save our lives and someday rule the world. It doesn't make much sense to us. A baby? But that is because we are so limited in our understanding of the ways of God. Still, do not miss this vitally important lesson: The God of the universe is content to use the weak things of the world to confound the strong. And this truth should give us comfort. If he can use a baby to change the world, he can certainly use us. Prayer Father God, your kingdom ways appear to be upside down to me, but I am beginning to see that it is my vision that is distorted. The mystery of the incarnation is utterly unique in the history of the world - the God becoming flesh in order to become one of us. The radical and profound lengths to which you went in order to save us all from the power of Satan amazes me. As I read the story of the first Advent, I am struck by all that you put into place. Only you could have conceived of it. Having made the world, you sent your Son into the world, knowing that he would be betrayed, rejected and crucified by the people he came to save. And yet you did it - to save me. I praise your name and thank you for your awesome gift of salvation. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Taken from Once a Day 25 Days of Advent Luke 2:1-7 Luke 2:1-7 KJV 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

NIV 365 / Meditation

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 359 of 365 Meditation Jesus' greatness now reaches to the ends of the earth. And those who know him recognize him as faithful and true, one who has not taken his position by force (like so many earthly kings have), but who was chosen from before the beginning of time. And starting that day in Israel, the king first came as a baby, born into the line of Jewish nobility (because it was from among the Israelites that God had decreed a king would come), and yet from a long line of sinful people so he could identify with us and so that we would choose him too. This was the first time he came, not with force, but with the gentleness of an infant. But the second time will be different. The second time, it will be sudden, and no one will miss it. Almighty God will open the gate of heaven, and Jesus will burst forth as a king, riding triumphant on a white stallion (not a donkey this time), with the armies of heaven following. Our great conquering king will destroy his enemies once and for all, waging and winning a holy war and ruling over all his people. Then he will reveal to a world that has rejected him that he truly is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. He will be absolutely sovereign over all people - the lost and the saved - and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that he is who we accept and claim that he is - Jesus, Christ, Lord. Prayer Faithful Father, thank you for the hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ in glory and power. Help me to live in anticipation of his coming. Help me to trust you in the things I do not understand. And when life seems to be a mess, help me to remember that your work here on earth remains, for the time being, an unfinished project, and that you always complete what you begin. Help me to cultivate an eternal perspective as I journey through this temporal arena. May I learn to pursue the eternal reality of the unseen future over the current reality of the visible present. And may you always be the object of my deepest love so that I will pursue you above all else. In Christ's name I pray. Amen. Taken from Once a Day 25 Days of Advent Micah 5:2-5 Micah 5:2-5 KJV 2 But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord , in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. 5 And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

NIV 365 / Meditation

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 358 of 365 Meditation We are about to celebrate the birth of the Son of God, the firstborn over all creation - not the first created being, as some religions falsely claim, but the one who holds our universe together and without whom we would have neither life nor breath. His birth in Bethlehem has implications for all of us. Jesus was born on earth so that we could become God's children too, all of us. The gospel Jesus brought was for everyone, then and now. It destroyed all barriers among people: social, racial and gender-related. Our unity is based on our new identity as children of God. That is what we are! Our status in Christ far surpasses any earthly advantages we would have over one another. There is no room for pride. No distinction of slave or free, no wealthy or poor, no in or out. We are all God's children. He has sent the Holy Spirit to be within us. We can "hear" God speak to us through His Word. We can speak directly to him in daily prayers. He hears the cries of his children, "Abba, Father." All this is our Christmas gift from him. It's a free gift. We cannot earn it. We cannot work for it. All we need to do is accept the gift. God loves us and wants us to be with him, to love him. He accepts us as we are. He has a plan for each one of us. He wants us to be close to him for all eternity. God sent his Son to earth, the baby whose birth brings us Christmas, to make that happen. Prayer Abba, Father, how comforting it is to come to you, knowing your love is a gift I did not earn and can never lose. Thank you. I am in awe as I realize how great a gift this truly is. Though I live in a culture that erects barriers between people, barriers that divide us and make us feel either arrogant or inferior, I am so grateful to you for sending your Son, the Lord Jesus, who broke through these walls with his love, acceptance, forgiveness and service to the lost, to the least and to the lonely. Teach me to treasure all the people I encounter today, to love them and to seek only good for them. In your Son's name I pray. Amen. Taken from Once a Day 25 Days of Advent Galatians 4:4-7 Galatians 4:4-7 KJV 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

NIV 365 / The Best Policy

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 357 of 365 The Best Policy Have you ever noticed the boldness of David and of other composers of psalms? They courageously questioned God (see Psalm 89:46) and went so far as to boldly outline for him what in their view he needed to do (see Psalm 123:3). As people well versed in Israel's history, the songwriters, we might expect, would have kept silent when it came to questioning God's ways. However, the psalmists "got away" with what they said because they expressed their feelings with honesty. They knew their own weaknesses and limitations and understood God's strength and power and majesty. They knew who they were and where they were. But they also knew God. Here, the songwriter acknowledges his own state as being in "the depths." Whether this refers to a physical, emotional or spiritual place doesn't matter. He's honest enough to recognize his desperate situation and to cry out to God for help. Simply acknowledging our need is the first step down the pathway of redemption. But what does the songwriter need? He realizes that if God were to keep a record of sin, the psalmist would certainly be lost. With his rhetorical question "Who could stand?" (Psalm 130:3), he anticipates the words of the New Testament: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). In almost the same breath as his admission of sinfulness, the songwriter honestly expresses who God is. With God "there is forgiveness . . . unfailing love . . . full redemption" (Psalm 130:4,7). Finally, the songwriter acknowledges God's promise that "he himself will redeem Israel from all their sins" (Psalm 130:8). Perhaps the apostle Paul had the words of Psalm 130 in mind hundreds of years later when he wrote to the church at Colosse, "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [ Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things" (Colossians 1:19-20). Because of Christ we can be honest with ourselves: God comes to where we are to redeem who we are because of who he is. Taken from NIV Men's Devotional Bible Psalms 130:1-8 Psalms 130:1-8 KJV 1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord . 2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, Lord , shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the Lord , my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the Lord : for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

NIV 365 / Honest to God

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 356 of 365 Honest to God As the old saying goes, "honesty is the best policy." It's a rule most of us try to live by on a daily basis in our family life and in the workplace. Common sense tells us that dishonesty doesn't get one very far in the grand scheme of life. But how honest are we when we come to God in prayer? How honest are we when we sit in a worship service, trying for all the world to maintain a smile in the midst of difficult and stressful life circumstances? Do Christians really have to be happy all the time? After all, God wants us to put our best face forward when we come to him, right? We might hurt God if we tell him what we really feel. Or we might offend him to the point that he withdraws from us. Psalm 102 demonstrates to us that this certainly isn't the case. Even though we may think that God can't-or won't-handle our honesty, from this and other psalms we learn that he wants to hear the whole story. As many as 60 psalms are "laments" or complaints to God. Some simply bemoan how bad life is. Others ask God to vindicate the person who's praying. Still others request God's vengeance on an enemy. Some question whether God really cares. These laments reflect an honest relationship between the songwriter and God. In Psalm 102 an afflicted man cries out to God. In despair, the man asks for deliverance from his troubles. People taunt him. He can't sleep at night. He feels alone. Yet by the middle of his prayer God already seems to be providing answers. The dark clouds in the songwriter's prayer dissipate; his words of hopelessness give way to expressions of hope and trust in God. God can handle the truth. The range of our emotions-even our anger-won't and can't drive him away. He created us and already knows our every emotion. As the all-knowing and ever-present God, he already knows the feelings of our heart. Amazingly, he knows us better than we know ourselves. Ask God to show you his heart so that you can be free to open your heart more fully to him. Taken from NIV Men's Devotional Bible Psalms 102:1-2 Psalms 102:1-2 KJV 1 Hear my prayer, O Lord , and let my cry come unto thee. 2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

NIV 365 / No Hiding, More Seeking

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 355 of 365 No Hiding, More Seeking When a child has something to hide, they hide. If your toddler is in the house, and it's been quiet for too long, you know something is up. But teens are of even more concern. A teen will often avoid their family no matter what, but if there are things they are concealing, their avoidance can jump to a whole new level. Christian teens are notorious for hiding because of the guilt they feel in knowing God's commands and principles but choosing to ignore them. Encouraging your children to talk to you, especially when they are doing things you have forbidden will be difficult, but not impossible. It will take patience and restraint because you will want to know the truth no matter how bad it might hurt. You need to boldly strive for that level of trust in order to keep your children from falling into more sin. If you can manage those conversations with control, you will have more of an opportunity to guide them toward a more righteous, open and honest life. Parenting Principle Wise parents talk with their children about things that they don't really want to talk about. Points to Ponder *Can you remember times when your children were hiding from you? *How are you doing in talking openly and honestly with your children? *What are you doing to be more open in your conversations? Taken from Once a Day Nurturing Great Kids Proverbs 28:1 Proverbs 28:1 KJV 1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

NIV 365 / Little White Lie

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Day 354 of 365 Little White Lie Sapphira What was the price we agreed to say we paid again? Sapphira silently calculated the cost of the land once more for good measure. Nine . . . plus . . . Take away half . . . add . . . or was it add half and take away . . . ? She muttered to herself as she made her way through the city streets. I'm never going to get this right. Her husband, Ananias, had been over this with her a hundred times, but still she tended to forget things whenever she was nervous. One little mistake, and their charade would be over. "I'll go first and lay the money at the apostles' feet," he'd told her. "I'll tell them that the amount was the full price we got for the property. Then, if anyone asks you about it, you just back me up. Got it?" She got it all right. How else were they going to make ends meet if they didn't keep a little kickback for themselves? She'd been astonished lately at her friends and even perfect strangers. What had gotten into them? Everyone was out of their minds with generosity - selling houses and land as routinely as if they were eggs and butter. Inside, she may have secretly wished she could be like the other churchgoers she admired. But I'm just too practical, she reasoned. Maybe when Ananias and I get ahead, then we'll be able to give like they do. In the meantime, she had to say that she was fairly impressed with the amount they had agreed to give to the church. She reassured herself on her way to meet Ananias. That gift would certainly outweigh any little white lie she or her husband would tell. And maybe, with a little luck, Ananias would have already taken care of it and no one would ask her anything. Then she wouldn't have to tell a lie; she'd only have to live one. Taken from NIV Women's Devotional Bible Acts 5:8 Acts 5:8 KJV 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

NIV 365 / The Truth Will Come Out

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 353 of 365 The Truth Will Come Out Early Greek tragedians obsessed over deception. Reading the plays of Sophocles and Euripides, one might conclude that they lived in societies paranoid that a web of half-truths and lies prevailed. Their mythical figures spoke in riddles; those who tried to evade prophecies unwittingly played into the hands of fate. When the truth did finally come to light, it often appeared only when calamity had already struck. We may feel this way about various aspects of our lives. Paranoia may plague our opinions on politics, our neighbors, even our family. Honesty once broken takes a long time to rebuild. Thus, scrupulous honesty in our dealings with others is one of our most valuable assets. The workers described in 2 Kings 12 realized the value of trustworthiness. They were so well known for their complete honesty that they weren't required to give an account for how they spent the vast amounts of money allotted for the temple's reconstruction. How different that scene in 2 Kings is from the scene in Genesis 3, where God confronted Adam and Eve and demanded an accounting from them after their fateful encounter with the serpent. For the first time in this first couple's lives - which had been perfect, stress-free and marked by an ongoing, intimate relationship with their Creator - the two garden-dwellers were asked to account for their actions to God himself. Why? Because they had listened to the serpent's lies, compromised what they knew to be the truth of God's Word and allowed sin to invade paradise. Can you relate? Maybe your lies don't seem serpent-sized, but even so-called white lies can open the door to compromise and sin. Maybe you don't tell the whole truth about the money you've spent or about why you can't take on a project or about the company supplies you took home. But even the Greek tragedians knew that lies don't stay hidden forever. When a lie is discovered, we risk losing the trust of those we most value. Wouldn't it be better to live like the straightforward workers in this story? Their reputation for "complete honesty" went before them, gaining them the respect of their superiors and even the king. Taken from NIV Women's Devotional Bible 2 Kings 12:15 2 Kings 12:15 KJV 15 Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully.

NIV 365 / What God Hates the Most

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Day 352 of 365 What God Hates the Most *What does it mean to hate something? *What does God hate? Hate is a strong word. And we know that God is a God of love, grace and mercy. So if the Bible tells us that God hates something, we should probably pay attention. In fact, King Solomon wrote these verses in a form designed to get our attention. He wrote "There are six things" and then wrote "seven." This used to be a common way for writers to build suspense and to make sure they had their audience's attention. The knowledge shared in these verses is incredibly important. If we know what God hates, then we can make sure we avoid these things. Solomon names seven things that God hates. And out of these seven, he mentions lying twice. He writes that God hates a lying tongue and that God hates a false witness who pours out lies. He hates it so much that Solomon said it twice. It is important that we work to avoid lying of all kinds. Our lies do nothing for us; they only hurt us. And more importantly, they hurt God. Prayer Dear God, please keep our tongues from lying and let us tell the truth. Please give us the courage and confidence to always be honest. Amen. Taken from Once a Day At the Table Proverbs 6:16-17 Proverbs 6:19 Proverbs 6:16-17 KJV 16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, Proverbs 6:19 KJV 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

NIV 365 / Put Off All Dishonesty

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 351 of 365 Put Off All Dishonesty *Share a time when you were dishonest with someone. *How do you feel when someone is dishonest with you? In this verse from Ephesians, the apostle Paul is teaching us that we, as Christians, are to put off all dishonesty. This means all forms of dishonesty. We know better than to tell outright lies, but sometimes we allow ourselves to be dishonest in small ways. We manipulate others to get our own way. We tell "little white lies." We exaggerate to make a story better. We cheat on our homework. Paul is telling us to cut it out! Put it off! Paul also reminds us here that we are all members of one body - the body of Christ. What we say and do affects not only Christ himself but other members of the body of Christ. When we are dishonest, we do damage to the testimony of the church. When we are dishonest with others, we separate them from God's truth. God wants us to speak truthfully to our neighbors, our friends, our teachers, our bosses, and our brothers and sisters. We need to work together if we are going to accomplish God's work here on earth. Prayer Dear God, thank you for your truth. Please help us to put off all forms of dishonesty so that others may learn about you through us. Amen. Taken from Once a Day At the Table Ephesians 4:25 Ephesians 4:25 KJV 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

NIV 365 / More Than Forgiveness - Acceptance

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Day 350 of 365 More Than Forgiveness - Acceptance I just can't forgive myself . . ." How often have we heard or spoken these words? Many of us struggle with a lingering sense of guilt in our hearts even after we have repented of our sin and know in our minds that we are forgiven. What we need to learn in this situation is that acceptance is also a part of the discipline of repentance and confession. We must say to ourselves by faith, "In Jesus Christ, I am forgiven." As feelings arise that contradict this statement, we must affirm it again and again. Another key to acceptance is understanding that absolute moral perfection will only be attained in heaven. We are fallible people. Scripture reminds us that "as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust" (Psalm 103:13 - 14). We are people of dust, and often we are covered with the grit and grime of sin. But no physical body is in perfect health at all times. A body's vitality can be seen even in sickness as it fights to overcome infection or heal wounds. This self-repair is itself a sign of life and health. In the same way, our sensitivity to sin and our willingness to repent signals that our spirituality is alive and well. Human limitations need not only be sources of shame; they can also be avenues for grace. In Jesus Christ, God loves us, and he is constantly transforming us into his image. When we are tempted to despair, we should remind ourselves at that very moment that Christ came for situations just like this! As human beings, we have potential and limitations. Both are to be managed by the Holy Spirit. We should not let weaknesses or failures disqualify us or discourage us from making an effort in the first place. Our attitude should say, "Though I may fail in the attempt, I will go forward." And as we take steps of faith, we can trust that God will use each failure to bring us new growth, with his grace and acceptance undergirding us. Putting It into Practice When do you find it most difficult to accept God's forgiveness? Review what the Bible says about forgiveness and then write a letter in your journal of what you would to say to a person who does not feel forgiven. When you finish, read that letter aloud to yourself. Taken from NIV Spiritual Renewal 1 John 1:9 1 John 1:9 KJV 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

NIV 365 / The Complete Forgiveness of God

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 349 of 365 The Complete Forgiveness of God God's Story Jacob is dying. Joseph goes to his bedside, bringing his sons - Manasseh and Ephraim - with him. Jacob musters the strength to remind them of God's great promises for their family and adopts Manasseh and Ephraim as his own sons. He blesses them, crossing his arms and placing his hands on their heads, blessing the youngest, Ephraim, with the blessing of the firstborn. Then he calls for the rest of his sons. The reunited family gathers around his bedside, and he speaks a prophetic blessing over each one - with especially lavish blessings for Judah and Joseph. Their faithfulness has been noticed. Jacob directs his sons to bury him with his parents and grandparents in the promised land, and then breathes his last. Jacob's family and all of Egypt's dignitaries lay his body to rest with great honor - the one who wrestles with God has died. With their father gone, Joseph's brothers worry that Joseph will finally punish them for betraying him. They ask for his forgiveness, which he graciously gives. God's chosen family is strong and growing in Egypt. The King's Heart When it comes to the perfect righteousness God gives us in Jesus, our hearts echo the cries of Joseph's brothers, who said, in essence: "Our debts are too great. We deserve to die - surely he hasn't completely forgiven us. There must be something we can do to pay him back. Maybe we can serve him as slaves." So like Joseph's brothers, we offer our service. We'll work for righteousness. We'll live rightly, not from a forgiven heart filled with gratitude, but from a distant and skeptical one. Our right living gives us a false sense of self-assurance, as if we can bring anything to God. But it does something much more tragic: It keeps us from free-falling into the endless depths of God's love and goodness. People who wrongly believe they're earning God's acceptance keep one foot on shore, unable to swim in the endless ocean of God's complete love. Joseph's complete forgiveness of his brothers mirrors the heart of God. "My child, you don't understand. You're forgiven. You're righteous. And I want friends, not slaves. Come close. I will take care of you." Insight Jacob's blessing on Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, meant that they'd enjoy equal status with Jacob's other sons, their uncles. Joseph's territory in the promised land would be divided between Ephraim and Manasseh, but Levi (Jacob's third son) would receive no share of the land. The number of tribal allotments would remain the same - 12. Taken from NIV Discover God's Heart Devotional Bible Genesis 50:15-21 Genesis 50:15-21 KJV 15 And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. 16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

NIV 365 / Beginning Anew

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 348 of 365 Beginning Anew God gives love and forgiveness over and over again (2Ch 7:14). Often, the believer who accepts his free gift by faith fails to follow him completely or consistently. Even so, God graciously makes available again and again a new beginning, an extended opportunity. Beyond the realm of forgiveness, Scripture presents numerous accounts in which the Lord reversed certain conditions or circumstances and gave a chance to his people to begin anew. The mother of Moses was given a second chance to rear her son (Ex 2:7-9). Miriam was given a second chance when God forgave her rebellious spirit and healed her leprosy (Nu 12:10-15). Hannah's barrenness was overruled so that she might bear Samuel and dedicate him to the Lord (1Sa 1:2-28). Women are offered a new beginning in many New Testament accounts. Elizabeth conceived a child in her later years and gave birth to John the Baptist (Lk 1:5-25). The widow of Nain was given another chance when her son was raised from the dead (Lk 7:11-17). The woman caught in the act of adultery was given another opportunity to live a God-fearing life (Jn 8:3-11). Dorcas was raised from the dead by Peter and given additional years in which to serve the Lord (Ac 9:36-42). The Bible also presents stories of lives in which women did not accept the second chance offered to them by God. Jezebel rejected her second chance and deliberately disobeyed God (2Ki 9:30-37). Bernice heard the gospel message as preached by Paul; yet, we have no indication she accepted it (Ac 25:23; 26:30-32). God's mercy and justice are balanced. Though a believer may still experience some temporal consequences for her disobedience, she can receive forgiveness and assurance of life because her sins are covered by the blood of Christ. Another opportunity does not necessarily mean an absence of consequences. God's justice often allows consequences for past sinful behavior even after a person has turned to him in obedience, but his mercy continues to offer the protection of a gracious and forgiving heavenly Father (Lk 15:20; Jn 10:28-29). Taken from NIV The Woman's Study Bible Numbers 12:10-15 Numbers 12:10-15 KJV 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the Lord , saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 And the Lord said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.

NIV 365 / Rose-Colored Glasses

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 347 of 365 Rose-colored Glasses Holy. How often do you see yourself as holy? That's not a term we usually apply to ourselves as single women, is it? Perhaps you've never married, but not by choice. Maybe you have been divorced, abandoned or abused. You might have had a baby outside of marriage, or you may have even aborted a baby. How holy does that leave you feeling? And yet, if you are God's child, he sees you as holy, no matter how damaged, broken or deserted you feel. You may wonder, How can he see me that way after everything I've done? It's because he is looking at you through rose-colored glasses. These heavenly glasses have crimson lenses that have been tinted by the blood of his Son, Jesus - the Darling of the universe. Heaven's precious Prince. The Savior of the world. The Father cannot see the ugly stains, blotches and blemishes of what you may think is your unholy life. He cannot see your past failures or sins because they are filtered from his view by rose-colored lenses that have been drenched in the royal-red blood of his Son at Calvary. By that sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for you to be perfect forever - yes, holy! You may have trouble wrapping your finite human mind around such an infinitely divine concept. But it's true nevertheless, and you can celebrate your holiness. Look forward to eternity with the Father, who loves you more than life itself - the life of his own dear Son. And when you look into your mirror, see what your Father sees through rose-colored glasses. Mary Hollingsworth Taken from Fulfilled Leviticus 11:45 Leviticus 11:45 KJV 45 For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.