Today's Devotional: Fearfully And Wonderfully Made. But Why?

 

For Such a Time as This

Though we may not always understand what God is doing around us, we can trust He’s working to accomplish His good purposes. 

From Intouch Ministries

May 15, 2023

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Esther 2:8-18; Esther 4:13-14

We clearly see the Lord’s sovereign hand at work in Esther’s life when she was plucked from obscurity and elevated to be the queen of Persia. She was a young woman with no social standing or power. Without her cousin Mordecai’s protection, Esther was actually very vulnerable. Can you imagine how upset, confused, and uncertain she must have felt as events were unfolding around her? 

We may feel like that, too. God’s purposes are being worked out just the way He’s planned, but from our earthly perspective, things sometimes seem confusing and unclear. That’s why Esther’s story is encouraging. It teaches us to trust in God’s will. After all, He doesn’t save us and then leave us to fend for ourselves. Instead, He continually guides each of His children in the work He has planned. 

Begin looking for the Lord’s hand in your life. He is working out His design—sometimes with gentle nudges, other times via jarring disruptions. No matter what happens, don’t forget that He is present and always moving and directing. Never imagine yourself to be insignificant in His eyes. You’re so highly esteemed that almighty God has designed a unique calling just for you.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 15-17  

XFL Championship: Arlington Renegades vs. D.C. Defenders | Full Game Hig...

Watch highlights from the 2023 XFL Championship Game as the Arlington Renegades defeat the D.C. Defenders, 35-26.

#5 KNICKS at #8 HEAT | FULL GAME 6 HIGHLIGHTS | May 12, 2023

Led by Jimmy Butler’s 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, the No. 8 seed Miami Heat defeated the No. 5 seed New York Knicks in Game 6, 96-92. Bam Adebayo added 23 points and 9 rebounds for the Heat in the victory, while Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 41 points (14-22 FG) for the Knicks. After closing out this best-of-seven series, 4-2, the Heat will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals where they will face the winner of the Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers series (currently tied, 3-3). Game 1 will take place on Wednesday, May 17 (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT).

Today's Devotional: Everything You Need To Be A Champion!

 

Sunday Reflection: What’s Yours Is Mine

God equips His children to participate in His work on earth. 

From Intouch Ministries

May 14, 2023

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To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the scriptures referenced throughout.

Imagine water flowing down a rock to a stream, then a river, and ultimately flowing out into the ocean. In a similar way, everything flows out of God’s provision for us. When God gives us abilities or other blessings, it’s not an accident, a product of our own hard work, or the result of good genes. Our God is a God who knows what He is doing—and He very specifically and intentionally gives us each different gifts, sometimes just for the benefit of others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

If you have particular skills, strengths, or financial blessings, give Him thanks. The purpose of our gifts isn’t to make us feel better about ourselves or improve the way other people see us. God’s gifts are an opportunity for us to know Him better and participate in building His kingdom. Through them, and in obedience to Him, we fulfill His mission.

Think about it

• What do you think it means to be “good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10) in today’s culture?

• How do you feel, knowing that God gifts us differently on purpose?

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 11-14 

#7 LAKERS at #6 WARRIORS | FULL GAME 5 HIGHLIGHTS | May 10, 2023

Today's Devotional: May All Who Enter Feel Like They Are Home

 

Welcome Home

Let's make our churches loving places that lead the lost to Christ. 

From Intouch Ministries

May 13, 2023

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Matthew 5:14-16

Church should be a place where we find strength and companions for our journey of faith. But we can’t forget those outside of the congregation. They need to know about Jesus and experience His remarkable love, too. 

1 Peter 2:4-10 is a marvelous passage that explains who we are in Christ. We are the “living stones” of His church, “a holy nation” brought together by the One who “called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Sometimes, we might be tempted to close ranks against the world, to think of life as an “us versus them” situation. Yet Peter plainly tells us that’s not true. “For you once were not a people,” he says, “but now you are the people of God” (v. 10).

Our heavenly Father didn’t shut the church door the minute we walked through it. He didn’t proclaim the club full and forbid any new members. Far from it. New “living stones” are being added every day all around this big, beautiful world of ours, and it’s our privilege to welcome them home. So let’s make our churches warm and welcoming—places where people feel safe and respected and where God’s affection abounds.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 8-10

Today's Devotional: Thank You For Your Service!

 

In the Service of All

Ask God to help you see opportunities to bless others with the abilities He’s given you.  

- Intouch Ministries

May 12, 2023

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1 Corinthians 12:18-26

Many of us have heard sermons about working as members of Christ’s body. Even so, when it comes to using our talents and gifts, people often think too small. They may picture the choir singer or the Sunday school teacher, and if they don’t happen to be a good fit for such roles, they become discouraged and choose to watch from the sidelines. 

It’s time to start thinking of this work in a different way.  The church is not a place or a time; it is a body of believers, each one uniquely gifted by God to guide, help, challenge, and support the rest. 

Paul’s metaphor of body parts working together harmoniously is a helpful description of how one action can have widespread impact. Consider the way tensing your big toe steadies your whole body. A humble part has a very important role to play, doesn’t it? In the same way, a gentle rebuke, a listening ear, or a loving deed can strengthen a brother or sister who is then better able to support another member. In that way, the whole church benefits. 

Our purpose on this earth is to serve God and His kingdom. We do so by ministering to each other in ways that build up and beautify the church as a whole.

Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 5-7

Today's Devotional: Transformer Roll Out!

 

The Transforming Grace of God

God can transform any sinner into a saint.

May 10, 2023

From Intouch Ministries 

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Romans 8:28-30

One of the most miraculous displays of the Lord’s power is His ability to transform an unrighteous man into a shining light for Jesus. The apostle Paul is a great example of how God can change ...

• The religious into the redeemed (1 Timothy 1:12-13). Before his conversion, Paul was deeply religious, but not in a good way. He relied on his pedigree, performance, and piety to gain authority and acceptance. When he met the Lord on the road to Damascus, however, he discovered that all of his religious works and credentials meant nothing. The only way we can become acceptable before God is through receiving the saving grace of Christ—and that’s how Paul’s sin was replaced with a righteous spirit. 

• A servant of sin into a servant of God (Romans 6:17-18). Paul had been hostile toward the early church—promoting blasphemy, punishing believers, and voting for them to be punished with death (Acts 26:10-11). Yet after salvation, he became a dedicated missionary who spread the gospel wherever he could.  

Our Father turned one of the early church’s enemies into a wise and repentant leader. Commit to obey the Lord, and see what happens. He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). 

Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 28-29

#5 KNICKS at #8 HEAT | FULL GAME 4 HIGHLIGHTS | May 8, 2023

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The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks in Game 4, 109-101. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 27 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds as Bam Adebayo added 23 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Brunson tallied 32 points and 11 assists for the Knicks while Julius Randle totaled 20 points and 9 rebounds. . The Heat lead the best-of-seven series, 3-1, with Game 5 taking place on Wednesday, May 10 (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT). 

Jimmy Butler recorded his 5th career Playoff game of 25+ points, 10+ assists, and 5+ rebounds for Miami, giving him the most such games in Miami franchise history. Jimmy Butler – 5 LeBron James – 4 Dwyane Wade – 3 Bam Adebayo recorded the 22nd double-double of his Playoff career for the Heat tonight, tying Dwyane Wade for the 2nd-most such games in Miami franchise history.

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