HOLD ON AND GROW

Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ.

Colossians 2:7-8

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

In Touch Ministries - 06/30/06

There are those who would lead you astray. That is why it is so important to study and to pray. With study, your will gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to recognize false teaching when you hear it.

Those who are experts in recognizing counterfeit money are trained by studying the real thing. When a phony bill is given to them, they can easily spot it, no matter how good the counterfeit looks.

With prayer, you can ask the Holy Spirit to guard your heart and mind from the evil that permeates this world. With your guard up, false teaching will be quickly sensed and easily rejected.

Hold on to what the Bible teaches and grow in faith!

DIVISION DO NOT HAVE TO BE DIVISIVE

Regarding this next item, I’m not at all pleased. I am getting the picture that when you meet together it brings out your worst side instead of your best! First, I get this report on your divisiveness, competing with and criticizing each other. I’m reluctant to believe it, but there it is. The best that can be said for it is that the testing process will bring truth into the open and confirm it.
 
1st Corinthians 11:17-19 (The Message Bible)
 
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
 
In Touch Ministries - 06/29/06
 
The military strategist will advise the commanders to ‘divide and conquer’ the enemy. While this may be an effective strategy for the military, it has no place in the Body of Christ. Scripture is clear on the subject. The Apostle Paul writes, “…that there be no divisions among you…” (1st Cor. 4:10).
 
Yes, there are many things in scripture which have been interpreted differently. Some churches emphasize certain passages more than other churches may. We do not all agree on worship styles or building programs. Despite these differences, can we stand together in unity as scripture calls us to?
 
I believe we can stand together when we embrace the essentials of the faith:
 

1. Jesus Christ is LORD and Savior


2. God is sovereign


3. The Bible is truth

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 06/28/06

Today’s devotion focuses on our being thankful to God for the abundant blessings He provides us everyday. I think the verses leading up to the thankfulness statements were noteworthy. What ushers us into an attitude of gratitude?

The Apostle Paul gives us a list of character traits which make it easy to be grateful.

• Compassion … tenderhearted mercy


• Kindness


• Humility


• Gentleness


• Patience


• A forgiving spirit


• Peace … harmony


• LOVE

Paul speaks in terms of getting dressed each day with these character traits. Remember in high school how we voted for ‘Best Dressed’? In terms of these character traits, how would you do in the ‘Best Dressed’ competition? Does your wardrobe prepare you to have an attitude of gratitude?

SOVEREIGN PROVISION

“O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” “Don’t say that,” the LORD replied, “for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

Jeremiah 1:6-8

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 06/27/06

When God, who reigns and rules over all things, gives you an assignment, your can be sure that God will also give you everything you need to accomplish it.

When the young prophet Jeremiah objected to his assignment, God assured him with three promises:

PROTECTION: “… don’t be afraid of the people…”

PRESENCE: “… I will be with you…”

PROVISION: “… I will … take care of you…”

Remember these promises when you receive your next divine appointment.